[Emigrants] will bring with them the principles of the governments they leave, imbibed in their early youth; or, if able to throw off, it will be in exchange for an unbounded licentiousness, passing, as is usual, from one extreme to another. It would be a miracle were they to stop precisely at the point of temperate liberty.
Thomas JeffersonI have sworn upon the altar of God Eternal, hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.
Thomas JeffersonThe introduction of so powerful an agent as steam [to a carriage on wheels] will make a great change in the situation of man.
Thomas Jeffersonthe qualifications for self-government in society are not innate. they are the result of habit and long training.
Thomas JeffersonFrom the dissensions among Sects themselves arise necessarily a right of choosing and necessity of deliberating to which we will conform. But if we choose for ourselves, we must allow others to choose also, and so reciprocally, this establishes religious liberty.
Thomas JeffersonOf all the systems of morality, ancient or modern which have come under my observation, none appears to me so pure as that of Jesus....I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.
Thomas JeffersonThe patriot, like the Christian, must learn to bear revilings and persecutions as a part of his duty; and in proportion as the trial is severe, firmness under it becomes more requisite and praiseworthy. It requires, indeed, self-command. But that will be fortified in proportion as the calls for its exercise are repeated.
Thomas Jefferson