I have sometimes asked myself whether my country is the better for my having lived at all? I do not know that it is. I have been the instrument of doing the following things; but they would have been done by others; some of them, perhaps, a little better.
Thomas JeffersonThe only security of all is in a free press. The force of public opinion cannot be resisted when permitted freely to be expressed. The agitation it produces must be submitted to. It is necessary, to keep he waters pure.
Thomas JeffersonCongress has scarcely any thing to employ them, and complain that the place [Washington, D.C.] is remarkably dull.
Thomas JeffersonThe constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.
Thomas JeffersonSocieties exist under three forms sufficiently distinguishable. 1. Without government, as among our Indians. 2. Under governments wherein the will of every one has a just influence, as is the case in England in a slight degree, and in our states, in a great one. 3. Under governments of force: as is the case in all other monarchies and in most of the other republics. To have an idea of the curse of existence under these last, they must be seen. It is a government of wolves over sheep.
Thomas Jefferson