Thomas Jefferson

All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases read more

All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will, to be rightful, must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal laws must protect, and to violate would be oppression.

It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquillity and occupation which give happiness.

It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquillity and occupation which give happiness.

What is true of every member of the society, individually, is true of them all collectively; since the rights of read more

What is true of every member of the society, individually, is true of them all collectively; since the rights of the whole can be no more than the sum of the rights of the individuals.

Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun read more

Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.

Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far read more

Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.