In politics and in his personal life, Thomas Jefferson was a complicated man, but in one thing he was consistent: the wanted the best of everything, for himself and for his country.

We confide in our strength, without boasting of it, we respect that of others, without fearing it.

Those who expect to be both ignorant and free, expect what never was and never will be.

If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation then by deflation, the banks and the corporations will grow up around them, will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs.” — from the debate on the recharter of the Bank Bill (1809)

Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.