What was Thomas Jefferson's famous line?
Asked by: Dr. Maureen Lindgren Sr. | Last update: May 4, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (68 votes)
Thomas Jefferson's most famous line, from the Declaration of Independence, is: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". This foundational phrase encapsulates core American ideals of equality and natural rights, though he also uttered many other significant quotes on liberty, governance, and education.
What is Thomas Jefferson's most famous quote?
Thomas Jefferson's most famous quote comes from the Declaration of Independence (1776): "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." Other well-known quotes include his emphasis on an informed citizenry and a free press as vital for liberty, and his thoughts on the necessity of resistance to tyranny.
What is the most famous quote ever said?
There's no single "most famous" quote, but top contenders include Neil Armstrong's "That's one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind," Shakespeare's "To be, or not to be," and FDR's "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," with others like "I have a dream" and "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" also highly recognized across different contexts.
What is the famous quote colonists are known for saying?
On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry signaled the coming revolution when he spoke at a Virginia convention and allegedly implored: “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
What was Thomas Jefferson's motto?
Thomas Jefferson didn't have one single official slogan, but his personal motto was "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God," used on his personal seal; other famous expressions associated with him include "I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery" and "the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants," reflecting his deep commitment to liberty.
Thomas Jefferson: Quotes from The Father of the American Revolution | Epic Forwards
What did Jefferson say before he died?
Thomas Jefferson's last words are famously associated with the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with reported phrases like "Is it the Fourth?" or "This is the Fourth of July," although his actual final words to his doctor were more prosaic: "No, doctor, nothing more," as he refused a final dose of laudanum. He died on July 4, 1826, the same day as his friend John Adams, and the date held deep significance for him.
What is the famous quote from the Constitution?
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of ...
What did Thomas Jefferson say about death?
The last pang of life is in parting from you! Two Seraphs await me, long shrouded in death: I will bear them your love on my last parting breath.
What is Benjamin Franklin's famous quote?
For example, one of the most-popular sayings attributed to Franklin is, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” This appears to be a combination of two Franklin proverbs. Other famous Franklin quotes are well-documented. In “Advice To A Young Tradesman,” Franklin writes that, “Remember that time is money.”
What was a famous slogan during the Revolutionary War?
"No taxation without representation" is a political slogan that originated in the American Revolution, and which expressed one of the primary grievances of the American colonists for Great Britain.
What is the greatest line of all time?
A jury consisting of 1,500 film artists, critics, and historians selected "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn", spoken by Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in the 1939 American Civil War epic Gone with the Wind, as the most memorable American movie quotation of all time.
What is the wisest quote ever?
There's no single "wisest quote ever," as wisdom is subjective, but Socrates' "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" (from Plato) is a perennial favorite for highlighting intellectual humility, while Confucius offered, "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest". Other profound quotes emphasize action, kindness, and perspective, like Maya Angelou's "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude" or Oprah Winfrey's "Turn your wounds into wisdom".
What is a cool 3-word quote?
Cool three-word quotes offer powerful inspiration, focusing on action, mindset, or simplicity, with popular examples including "Seize the day," "Just do it," "Never give up," "Life is awesome," "Trust the process," and "Good vibes only," embodying themes of seizing opportunity, perseverance, positivity, and self-belief.
What was Thomas Jefferson's most famous writing?
The Declaration of Independence is perhaps the most famous and inspirational of Jefferson's writings. An original copy of the Declaration is on display in U.Va. Library's permanent Special Collections exhibits.
What is a really famous quote?
A very famous quote is Shakespeare's "To be or not to be, that is the question," from Hamlet, questioning existence, while other highly recognized quotes include MLK Jr.'s "I have a dream," about equality, and Neil Armstrong's "That's one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind," marking the moon landing, highlighting themes from philosophy to human achievement.
What is the best quote for freedom?
The best quotes about freedom emphasize it as both a personal responsibility and a collective right, highlighting that true freedom involves authenticity, courage to think independently, and respecting others' liberty, as seen in phrases from Nelson Mandela like "not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others" and George Orwell's "the right to tell people what they do not want to hear," while Friedrich Nietzsche noted "Freedom is the will to be responsible to ourselves".
What did Benjamin Franklin say before he died?
Benjamin Franklin's reported last words were, "A dying man can do nothing easy," uttered to his daughter Sarah who suggested he adjust his position in bed for comfort, just moments before he died on April 17, 1790, at age 84. These words reflect his characteristic wit and acceptance of death as a natural process, fitting for a man who often contemplated life and mortality.
Who first said time is money?
"Time is money" is an aphorism that is claimed to have originated in "Advice to a Young Tradesman", an essay by Benjamin Franklin that appeared in George Fisher's 1748 book, The American Instructor: or Young Man's Best Companion, in which Franklin wrote, "Remember that time is money."
What are two famous quotes?
Here are two famous quotes: "To be, or not to be, that is the question," by William Shakespeare, and "Be the change that you wish to see in the world," attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, both offering profound insights into life, purpose, and action.
What is the most comforting quote for death?
- “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” —Emily Dickinson. ...
- “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. ...
- “After you have wept and grieved for your physical losses, cherish the functions and life you have left.” —Morrie Schwartz.
What was Thomas Jefferson's IQ?
Thomas Jefferson's estimated IQ is generally placed around 154 to 160, with various researchers like psychologist Dean Simonton estimating scores in this range (e.g., 160) based on his vast accomplishments as a "Renaissance man," including authoring the Declaration of Independence, expanding the U.S. with the Louisiana Purchase, and excelling in fields like architecture, science, and law, despite the inherent difficulty in assigning IQs to historical figures.
What were Jefferson's last words?
Thomas Jefferson's last words are famously associated with the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with reported phrases like "Is it the Fourth?" or "This is the Fourth of July," although his actual final words to his doctor were more prosaic: "No, doctor, nothing more," as he refused a final dose of laudanum. He died on July 4, 1826, the same day as his friend John Adams, and the date held deep significance for him.
Who wrote the famous first line of the US Constitution?
It is generally acknowledged that the Preamble's author was Gouverneur Morris, as the language from the federal preamble echoes that of Morris's home state's Constitution.
What was the famous quote about the Bill of Rights?
James Madison famously said, “All power is originally vested in, and consequently derived from, the people.” Also recognizing the inherent power of the people, Thomas Jefferson stated, “A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth.” These quotes aptly describe the purpose of the ...
Who said the only sure thing is death and taxes?
'Nothing is certain except death and taxes' - Benjamin Franklin, 1789.