Instead of an aristocracy of wealth, of more harm and danger than benefit to society, to make an opening for the aristocracy of virtue and talent, which nature has wisely provided for the direction of the interests of society and scattered with equal hand through all its conditions, was deemed essential to a well-ordered republic.
Thomas JeffersonOur minds and hearts are free to believe everything or nothing at all - and it is our duty to protect and perpetuate this sacred culture of freedom.
Thomas JeffersonA professorship of Theology should have no place in our institution [the University of Virginia]
Thomas JeffersonWe act not for ourselves but for the whole human race. The event of our experiment is to show whether man can be trusted with self - government.
Thomas Jefferson