Thomas Jefferson

Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.

Doubts...often beget the facts they fear.

Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain cool and unruffled under all circumstances.

The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their rightful names.

Nothing can stop the man with right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.

The moment a person forms a theory, his imagination sees, in every object, only the traits that favor that theory.

I cannot live without books.

There is no truth existing which I fear, or would wish unknown to the whole world.

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.

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, to lessen the disposition to war; but of its abolition I despair.