My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. That government is best which governs least.
Tag: Thomas Jefferson
(1743-1826), U.S. Founding Father, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd U.S. President.
Happiness lies in avoiding socialism
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Pay as you go
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
Wealth transfer means the death of freedom
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Big cities and corruption
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.
Keep rebellion alive
The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere.
Strong government
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.