Every man, and every body of men on earth, possesses the right of self-government. They receive it with their being from the hand of nature. Individuals exercise it by their single will; collections of men by that of their majority; for the law of the majority is the natural law of every society of men.
Thomas JeffersonThe policy of the American government is to leave their citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits.
Thomas JeffersonAll we can do is to make the best of our friends, love and cherish what is good in them, and keep out of the way what is bad.
Thomas JeffersonNever yet could I find that a black had uttered a thought above the level of plain narration; never saw even an elemental trait of painting or sculpture.
Thomas JeffersonSingle acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of the day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period, and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers (adminstrators) too plainly proves a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing us to slavery.
Thomas Jefferson