Thomas Jefferson Quotes on Liberty & Freedom (30 Quotes)

I place economy among the first and important virtues, and public debt as the greatest of dangers. To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our choice between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude. If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.

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

Of liberty I would say that, in the whole plenitude of its extent, it is unobstructed action according to our will. But rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law,' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the right of an individual.

Above all things I hope the education of the common people will be attended to, convinced that on their good sense we may rely with the most security for the preservation of a due degree of liberty.

What a stupendous, what an incomprehensible machine is man Who can endure toil, famine, stripes, imprisonment and death itself in vindication of his own liberty, and the next moment . . . inflict on his fellow men a bondage, one hour of which is fra

Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus and trial by juries impartially selected, - these principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us

In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I know it will give great offense to the clergy, but the advocate of religious freedom is to expect neither peace nor forgiveness from them.

I am not among those who fear the people. They, and not the rich, are our dependence for continued freedom.

The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

When governments fear the people there is liberty. When the people fear the government there is tyranny.

Under the law of nature, all men are born free, every one comes into the world with a right to his own person, which includes the liberty of moving and using it at his own will. This is what is called personal liberty, and is given him by the Author.

To preserve the freedom of the human mind then and freedom of the press, every spirit should be ready to devote itself to martyrdom for as long as we may think as we will, and speak as we think, the condition of man will proceed in improvement

We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable that all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive fights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty. . . . Students' perusal of the sacred volume will make us better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands.

The price of liberty is constant vigilance.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

Between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude.

Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of American Independence, Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, And Father of the University of Virginia.

When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.

The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave.

Our liberty depends on freedom of the press, And that cannot be limited without being lost.

Liberty is the great parent of science and of virtue and a nation will be great in both always in proportion as it is free.

Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.

If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, then and only then will truth, prevail over fanaticism

What signify a few lives lost in a century or two The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none the support of the State governments in all their rights, as the most competent administrations for our domestic concerns, and the surest bulwarks against anti-republican tendencies the preservation of the general government in its whole constitutional vigour, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad ... freedom of religion freedom of the press freedom of person under the protection of the habeas corpus and trial by juries impartially selected, these principles form the bright constellation which has gone before us, and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.

A government big enough to supply you with everything you need is a government big enough to take away everything that you have.... The course of history shows that as the government grows, liberty decreases.

Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.