Thomas Jefferson Quotes on Mind (18 Quotes)

The natural cause of the human mind is certainly from credulity to skepticism.

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 law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.

The summum bonum with me is now truly Epicurean, ease of body and tranquility of mind and to these I wish to consign my remaining days

If there is one principle more deeply rooted in the mind of every American, it is that we should have nothing to do with conquest.

Power is not alluring to pure minds.

Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God.

This institution will be based upon the illimitable freedom of the human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.

The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money.

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.

The press is the best instrument for enlightening the mind of man, and improving him as a rational, moral and social being

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks.

Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind.

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.

Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is body without mind.

On the dogmas of religion, as distinguished from moral principles, all mankind, from the beginning of the world to this day, have been quarreling, fighting, burning and torturing one another, for abstractions unintelligible to themselves and to all others, and absolutely beyond the comprehension of the human mind.

A lively and lasting sense of filial duty is more effectually impressed on the mind of a son or daughter by reading King Lear, than by all the dry volumes of ethics, and divinity, that ever were written

My views and feelings (are) in favor of the abolition of war and I hope it is practicable, by improving the mind and morals of society, tolessen the disposition to war but of its abolition I despair.

I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.