1
We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable; that all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
"Rough Draft" of the American Declaration of Independence, in J. P. Boyd et al.
Papers of Thomas Jefferson
(1950) vol. 1.
2
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.
letter to W. S. Smith, 13 November 1787
3
If a due participation of office is a matter of right, how are vacancies to be obtained? Those by death are few; by resignation none.
often quoted as, "Few die and none resign"
letter to E. Shipman and others, 12 July 1801
4
When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.
to Baron von Humboldt, 1807
5
We have the wolf by the ears; and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. Justice is in one scale, and self-preservation in the other.
on slavery
letter to John Holmes, 22 April 1820
6
To attain all this [universal republicanism], however, rivers of blood must yet flow, and years of desolation pass over; yet the object is worth rivers of blood, and years of desolation.
letter to John Adams, 4 September 1823
7
Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.
Notes on the State of Virginia
(1781–5) Query 18