Five Pieces of Wisdom That Show Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Influence

Founding father and our nation’s third president, Thomas Jefferson, was an influential figure due to his instrumental role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, which laid the groundwork for the United States’ pursuit of liberty and equality.

As time goes on though, it is incredibly important to remember the lessons imparted on us by those who helped craft the American identity. On top of that list, Jefferson certainly stands head and shoulders above many.

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A True American Thought Leader

Thomas Jefferson played a significant role in shaping the United States of America. Born in 1743 in Virginia, Jefferson emerged as a leading figure during the American Revolution. He is best known for his pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 at age 33, which proclaimed the American colonies’ independence from British rule and articulated the principles of individual liberty and inalienable rights.

He was an inventor, philosopher, farmer, diplomat, revolutionary, and President during his incredible lifetime.

Jefferson’s political career continued to flourish after the Revolution. He served as the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809, during which he prioritized limited government, territorial expansion, and the protection of individual liberties. One of his most notable achievements as president was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States and paved the way for westward expansion. He also initiated the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the newly acquired western territories.

Beyond his political accomplishments, Jefferson was a strong proponent of education. He believed in the importance of an informed citizenry and established the University of Virginia in 1819, which introduced a novel curriculum emphasizing science, reason, and liberal arts.

Today, we’ve collected five of our team’s favorite quotes from Jefferson that continue to echo through the ages.

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Founding Wisdom

5. “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

Thomas Jefferson to Dr. James Currie, January 28, 1786

4. “I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared.”

Thomas Jefferson to William Plumer, July 21, 1816

3. “I agree with you that it is the duty of every good citizen to use all the opportunities, which occur to him, for preserving documents relating to the history of our country.”

Thomas Jefferson to Hugh P. Taylor, October 4, 1823

2. “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.”

Thomas Jefferson to Richard Price, January 8, 1789

1. “Our particular principles of religion are a subject of accountability to our god alone. I enquire after no man’s and trouble none with mine; nor is it given to us in this life to know whether yours or mine, our friend’s or our foe’s, are exactly the right.”

Thomas Jefferson to Miles King, September 26, 1814

What are some of your favorite sayings and quotes from America’s third president? Let us know in the comments below and across social media.