44 quotes
American Founding Father, philosopher, and political activist (1737–1809)
“A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.”
"When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon."
on Freedom
"It is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself."
on Happiness
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
"Nothing, they say is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the time of dying"
on Death
"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."
on Peace
"What we obtain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it's dearness only that gives everthing its value."
on Wisdom
"For though the flame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire."
"That government is best which governs least."
on Government
"Kill the king but spare the man."
on Revolution
"The instant formal government is abolished, society begins to act. A general association takes place, and common interest produces common security."
on Society
"Government even in its best state is but a necessary evil in its worst state an intolerable one."
"Persecution is not an original feature in any religion but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law."
on Religion
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must like men undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
"Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man."
on Faith
"The world is my country all mankind are my brethren and to do good is my religion."
on Human Rights
"Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best stage, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one."
"These are the times that try men's souls."
on Courage
"Time makes more converts than reason."
on Time
"The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance."
on Power
"Of all the tyrannies that affect mankind, tyranny in religion is the worst."
