But friendship is precious, not only in the shade but in the sunshine of life; & thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine. I will recur for proof to the days we have lately passed. On these indeed the sun shone brightly.

— Thomas Jefferson

Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto.

— Thomas Jefferson

Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.

— Thomas Jefferson

Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bonds.

— Thomas Jefferson

Determine never to be idle. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.

— Thomas Jefferson

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.

— Thomas Jefferson

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing.

— Thomas Jefferson

Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.

— Thomas Jefferson

Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it.

— Thomas Jefferson

Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.

— Thomas Jefferson