What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth.... [Instead] reason and persuasion are the only practicable instruments. To make way for these, free enquiry must be indulged; and how can we wish others to indulge it while we refuse it ourselves?
Thomas JeffersonWhenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct.
Thomas JeffersonThe dominion which the banking institutions have obtained over the minds of our citizens...must be broken, or it will break us.
Thomas JeffersonWe could in the United States make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good.
Thomas JeffersonWar is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.
Thomas JeffersonIf ever this vast country is brought under a single government, it will be one of the most extensive corruption, indifferent and incapable of a wholesome care over so wide a spread of surface. This will not be borne, and you will have to choose between reform and revolution. If I know the spirit of this country, the one or the other is inevitable.
Thomas Jefferson