Jefferson Thomas - Citizen Jefferson: the wit and wisdom of an American sage

The station which we occupy among the nations of the earth is honorable, but awful. Trusted with the destinies of this solitary republic of the world, the only monument of human rights, & the sole depository of the sacred fire of freedom & self-government from hence it is to be lighted up in other regions of the earth, if other regions of the earth shall ever become susceptible of its benign influence. All mankind ought then, with us, to rejoice in its prosperous, & sympathize in its adverse fortunes, as involving every thing dear to man.

To the Citizens of Washington, March 4, 1809

It is a part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate; to surmount every difficulty by resolution and contrivance. In Europe there are shops for every want. Its inhabitants therefore have no idea that their wants can be furnished otherwise. Remote from all other aid, we are obliged to invent and to execute; to find means within ourselves, and not to lean on others.

To Martha Jefferson, Aix en Provence, March 28, 1787

There is a modesty often which does itself injury. Our countrymen possess this. They do not know their own superiority.

To John Rutledge, Jr., Paris, February 2, 1788

Never was a finer canvas presented to work on than our countrymen. All of them engaged in agriculture or the pursuits of honest industry, independent in their circumstances, enlightened as to their rights, and firm in their habits of order & obedience to the laws. This I hope will be the age of experiments in government, and that their basis will be founded in principles of honesty, not of mere force. We have seen no instance of this since the days of the Roman republic, nor do we read of any before that.

To John Adams, Monticello, February 28, 1796

The Arts

You see I am an enthusiast on the subject of the arts. But it is an enthusiasm of which I am not ashamed, as its object is to improve the taste of my countrymen, to increase their reputation, to reconcile to them the respect of the world & procure them its praise.

To James Madison, Paris, September 20, 1785

Bad Timing

A good cause is often injured more by ill timed efforts of its friends than by the arguments of its enemies.

To James Heaton, Monticello, May 20, 1826

Bigotry

Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant. Education & free discussion are the antidotes of both.

To John Adams, Monticello, August I 1816

Ignorance & bigotry, like other insanities, are incapable of self-government.

To Marquis de LaFayette, Monticello, May 14, 1817

Bill of Rights

A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, & what no just government should refuse or rest on inferences.

To James Madison, Paris, December 20, 1787

Blessings of Life

The good things of this life are scattered so sparingly in our way that we must glean them up as we go.

To Abigail Adams, Paris, November 1786