Reading, reflection and time have convinced me that the interests of society require the observation of those moral precepts only in which all religions agree (for all forbid us to steal, murder, plunder, or bear false witness), and that we should not intermeddle with the particular dogmas in which all religions differ, and which are totally unconnected with morality.

Although we are free by the law, we are not so in practice.

I endeavor to keep their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom & happiness of man.

The Christian god is a being of terrific character - cruel, vindictive, capricious and unjust.

Our ancestors ... possessed a right, which nature has given to all men, of departing from the country in which chance, not choice has placed them.

The bloom of Monticello is chilled by my solitude.

All authority belongs to the people... In questions of power let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief with chains of the Constitution.