Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, was not only a renowned statesman and politician but also a prolific writer and philosopher. His profound thoughts and ideas continue to resonate with people across the globe. As the discussion around immigration remains a significant topic in society, let’s delve into some of Thomas Jefferson’s insightful quotes on immigration that provide us with a historical perspective on this issue.
Jefferson’s thoughts on immigration were shaped by his belief in the principles of liberty, freedom, and equality. He recognized the immense value that immigrants bring to a nation, contributing to its diversity, progress, and prosperity. Through his quotes, we can gain a deeper understanding of his views on immigration and the fundamental principles that shaped the United States.
So, let’s explore and reflect upon these thought-provoking Thomas Jefferson immigration quotes that continue to hold relevance in today’s world.
Read these Thomas Jefferson Immigration Quotes
“Born in other countries, yet believing you could be happy in this, our laws acknowledge, as they should do, your right to join us in society, conforming, as I doubt not you will do, to our established rules.”
“I am not among those who fear the people. They—and not the rich—are our dependence for continued freedom. And to preserve their independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude.”
“The policy of the American government is to leave its citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits.”
“The ground of liberty is to be gained by inches. We must be contented to secure what we can get from time to time and eternally press forward for what is yet to get. It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good.”
“Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves, therefore, are its only safe depositories.”
“Immigrants, who bring with them the wealth of their own industry and frugality, are a valuable addition to the resources of a country.”
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as a cause for withdrawing from a friend.”
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
“Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.”
“Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political; peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.”
“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.”
“I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
“The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.”
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. Enable them to see that it is their interest to preserve peace and order, and they will preserve them.”
“I hope our wisdom will grow with our power and teach us that the less we use our power, the greater it will be.”
“I never will, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance or admit a right of inquiry into the religious opinions of others.”
“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”
“The greatest danger to American freedom is a government that ignores the Constitution.”
“The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.”
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
These quotes from Thomas Jefferson offer a glimpse into his thoughts on immigration, liberty, equality, and the role of government. They remind us of the enduring values that shaped the United States and continue to shape our world today. As we navigate the complexities of immigration, let us draw inspiration from these words and strive to create a society that upholds the principles of freedom, justice, and opportunity for all.
