Dec 31, 2009 – “It has been said the greatest volume of sheer brainpower in one place occurred when Jefferson dined alone…” John Kennedy

The following quotes attributed to Thomas Jefferson are making their way around the Internet via email. They are an interesting collection of wisdom from one of our preeminent framers of the constitution. We did some research on them and actually there are some of them that are not directly traceable to him, even if they are attributed to him. These sentiments are interesting in that they point out how visionary the founders were with respect to the problem of large dominant governments and how they necessarily encroach on the freedoms of its citizenry.

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe. – Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. – Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. – Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. – Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. – Thomas Jefferson

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. – Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. – Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. – Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. – Thomas Jefferson

I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered… – Thomas Jefferson, 1802