We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independant, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness.
¶ "Original Rough Draught" of the Declaration of Independence (Jun. 1776)
Source: The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, ed. Julian P. Boyd (1950).
Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.
¶ First Inaugural Address (4 Mar. 1801)
Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others?
¶ First Inaugural Address (1801)
The execution of the laws is more important than the making of them.
¶ Letter to Abbe Arnold (27 May 1789)
I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it.
¶ Letter to Archibald Stuart (23 Dec 1791)
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.
¶ Letter to Benjamin Rush (23 Sep. 1800)
A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high duties of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. To lose our country by a scrupulous adherence to written law, would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absurdly sacrificing the end to the means.
¶ Letter to John B. Colvin (20 Sep 1810)
We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed.
¶ Letter to Lafayette (2 Apr 1790)
It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation, which give happiness.
¶ Letter to Mrs. A. S. Marks (1788)
I never told my own religion nor scrutinized that of another. I never attempted to make a convert, nor wished to change another's creed. I am satisfied that yours must be an excellent religion to have produced a life of such exemplary virtue and correctness. For it is in our lives, and not from our words, that our religion must be judged.
¶ Letter to Mrs. H. Harrison Smith (1816)
But is an enemy so execrable that tho in captivity his wishes and comforts are to be disregarded and even crossed? I think not. It is for the benefit of mankind to mitigate the horrors of war as much as possible.
¶ Letter to Patrick Henry (27 Mar 1779)
I am not an advocate for frequent 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 discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.
¶ Letter to Samuel Kercheval (12 Jul 1816)
Inscribed (elided) on SE of Jefferson Memorial. http://www.bartleby.com/73/178.html
That to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical.
¶ Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786)
