I have been long sensible that while I was endeavoring to render our country the greatest of all services, that of regenerating the public education, and placing our rising generation on the level of our sister states (which they have proudly held heretofore), I was discharging the odious function of a physician pouring medicine down the throat of a patient insensible of needing it.
Thomas JeffersonThe cement of this union is in the heart blood of every American. I do not believe there is on earth a government established on so immovable a basis.
Thomas JeffersonThe wise know too well their weakness to assume infallibility; and he who knows most knows best how little he knows.
Thomas JeffersonError indeed has often prevailed by the assistance of power or force. Truth is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error.
Thomas JeffersonReligious leaders will always avail themselves of public ignorance for their own purpose.
Thomas JeffersonA strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the highest virtues of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. To lose our country by a scrupulous adherence to written law would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absurdly sacrificing the end to the means.
Thomas Jefferson