Thomas Jefferson Quotes
A collection of quotes by Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and served as the third President from 1801 to 1809. Born in Shadwell, Virginia, Jefferson grew up on a plantation and inherited an interest in farming, architecture, and social sciences from his father. He attended the College of William & Mary, studying law and philosophy.
Jefferson's involvement in politics began during the American Revolution, when he drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He later served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and became an ambassador to France. Back in the newly formed United States, Jefferson played a significant role in shaping the nation's early political landscape. He co-founded and led the Democratic-Republican Party and strongly supported states' rights and a limited federal government.
Jefferson won the Presidential election in 1800, defeating incumbent John Adams, and went on to implement several significant achievements during his presidency. He successfully negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the country, and commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the newly acquired western territories. As president, Jefferson also signed into law the Embargo Act of 1807, an attempt to preserve American neutrality during European conflicts.
Beyond politics, Jefferson was a polymath with diverse interests. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, had a vast library, and was an avid inventor. In 1819, he established the University of Virginia, which showcased his architectural prowess.
Thomas Jefferson left an indelible mark on the United States through his ideas, dedication to democracy, and contributions as a statesman, philosopher, and president.
