Thomas Jefferson Revolution Quotations

Should [reformers] attempt more than the established habits of the people are ripe for, they may lose all and retard indefinitely the ultimate object of their aim.

One war, such as that of our Revolution, is enough for one life.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

Do not be too severe upon the errors of the people, but reclaim them by enlightening them.

We need a revolution every 20 years just to keep government honest.

Debt and revolution are inseparable as cause and effect.

Trial by jury is part of that bright constellation which has gone before us and guided our steps through an age of revolution and reformation.

In short I must confide in you to take such care of the men under you as an economical householder would of his own family, doingevery thing within himself as far as he can, and calling for as few supplies as possible. The less you depend for supplies from this quarter, the less you will be disappointed.

The day is not distant when we must bear and adopt [the abolition of slavery], or worse will follow.

A little revolution is a good thing.

Every generation needs a new revolution.

Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.

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