Thomas Jefferson Quotes About Silence

• When I hear another express an opinion which is not mine, I say to myself, he has a right to his opinion, as I to mine. Why should I question it? His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixote, to bring all men by force of argument to one opinion? ...Be a listener only, keep within yourself, and endeavor to establish with yourself the habit of silence, especially in politics.

  Thomas Jefferson

  Men, Errors, Silence

• On every unauthoritative exercise of power by the legislature must the people rise in rebellion or their silence be construed into a surrender of that power to them? If so, how many rebellions should we have had already?

  Thomas Jefferson

  Exercise, People, Silence

  Thomas Jefferson, Richard Holland Johnston, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association of the United States “The Writings of Thomas Jefferson”

• The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.

  Thomas Jefferson

  Inspirational, Motivational, Teaching

• I am... for freedom of the press, and against all violations of the Constitution to silence by force and not by reason the complaints or criticisms, just or unjust, of our citizens against the conduct of their agents.

  Thomas Jefferson

  Silence, Political, Criticism

  Thomas Jefferson, Noble E. Cunningham (2001). “The Inaugural Addresses of President Thomas Jefferson, 1801 And 1805”, p.3, University of Missouri Press

• The way to silence religious disputes is to take no notice of them.

  Thomas Jefferson

  Religious, Silence, Religion

  Thomas Jefferson (1832). “Notes on the State of Virginia”, p.168

• Be a listener only, keep within yourself, and endeavor to establish with yourself the habit of silence, especially in politics.

  Thomas Jefferson

  Silence, Political, Politics

  Thomas Jefferson, Joyce Appleby, Terence Ball (1999). “Jefferson: Political Writings”, p.279, Cambridge University Press

• Resolved ... that it would be a dangerous delusion were a confidence in the men of our choice to silence our fears for the safety of our rights: that confidence is everywhere the parent of despotism - free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence.

  Thomas Jefferson

  Men, Rights, Safety

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