Let the farmer forevermore be honored in his calling; for they who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God.

Peace with all nations, and the right which that gives us with respect to all nations, are our object.

I view great cities as pestilential to the morals, the health and the liberties of man. True, they nourish some of the elegant arts; but the useful ones can thrive elsewhere; and less perfection in the others, with more health, virtue and freedom, would be my choice.

Blest is that nation whose silent course of happiness furnishes nothing for history to say.

Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science by rendering them my supreme delight.

I am not afraid of the priests. They have tried upon me all their various batteries, of pious whining, hypocritical canting, lying and slandering, without being able to give me one moment of pain.

I never before knew the full value of trees....What would I not give that the trees planted nearest round the house at Monticello were full grown.