Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.
Author: Thomas Jefferson | Subjects: Concepts, Freedom | Liberty, Life & Society, Personal Improvement
There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents. […] May we not even say, that that form of government is the best, which provides the most effectually for a pure selection of these natural aristoi into the offices of government?
Author: Thomas Jefferson | Subjects: Life & Society, Politics & Public Policy
A good cause is often injured more by ill timed efforts of its friends than by the arguments of its enemies.
Author: Thomas Jefferson | Subjects: Change, Concepts, Life & Society, Politics & Public Policy
The Earth belongs in use to the living… No generation can contract debts greater than may be paid during the course of its own existence.
Author: Thomas Jefferson | Subjects: Environment | Sustainability, Politics & Public Policy
I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions, but … laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with … [ Read more ]
Author: Thomas Jefferson | Source: The Atlantic | Subject: Politics & Public Policy
He who receives an idea from me receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me […] Inventions then cannot, in nature, be a subject of property.
Author: Thomas Jefferson | Subjects: Law | Legal, Politics & Public Policy