Thomas Jefferson

“In the middle ages of Christianity opposition to the State opinions was hushed. The consequence was, Christianity became loaded with all the Romish follies. Nothing but free argument, raillery & even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion. Notes on Religion (October 1776), published in The Works of Thomas Jefferson in Twelve Volumes , Federal Edition, Paul Leicester Ford , ed., New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1904, Vol. 2 , p. 256”

“Truth will do well enough if left to shift for herself. She seldom has received much aid from the power of great men to whom she is rarely known & seldom welcome. She has no need of force to procure entrance into the minds of men. Error indeed has often prevailed by the assistance of power or force. Truth is the proper & sufficient antagonist to error. Notes on Religion (October 1776), published in The Writings of Thomas Jefferson : 1816”

“The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government”

“All persons shall have full and free liberty of religious opinion; nor shall any be compelled to frequent or maintain any religious institution. Draft Constitution for Virginia”

“Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable.”

“Let those flatter, who fear: it is not an American art. Summary View of the Rights of British America”

“The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them. Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774); The Writings of Thomas Jefferson (19 Vols., 1905) edited by Andrew A. Lipscomb and Albert Ellery Bergh, Vol. 1, p. 211”

“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. Letter to Robert Skipwith (3 August 1771) ; also in The Writings of Thomas Jefferson (19 Vols., 1905) edited by Andrew A. Lipscomb and Albert Ellery Bergh, Vol. 4, p. 239”

“Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the common law [this quote is referring to English Common Law]. Vol. 1 Whether Christianity is Part of the Common Law (1764) Broken link . Published in The Works of Thomas Jefferson in Twelve Volumes , Federal Edition, Paul Leicester Ford , ed., New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1904, p. 459”

“To begin an affair of that kind now, and carry it on so long a time in form, is by no means a proper plan ... whatever assurances I may give her in private of my esteem for her, or whatever assurances I may ask in return from her, depend on it”