"not to find out new principles, or..." - Quote by Thomas Jefferson
not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of . . . but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.
More by Thomas Jefferson
“One war, such as that of our Revolution, is enough for one life.”
“Where the principle of difference [between political parties] is as substantial and as strongly pronounced as between the republicans and the monocrats of our country, I hold it as honorable to take a firm and decided part and as immoral to pursue a middle line, as between the parties of honest men and rogues, into which every country is divided.”
“Honesty is the first chapter in the Book of wisdom. Let it be our endeavor to merit the character of a just nation.”
More on Communication
“The flatter the corporate hierarchy, the more likely it is that employees will communicate bad news and act upon it.”
“The corruption of man is followed by the corruption of language. ... In due time, the fraud is manifest, and words lose all power to stimulate the understanding or the affections.”
“Think first. Talk less. Start today.”
More on Common Sense
“Never hold discussions with the monkey when the organ grinder is in the room.”
“It may be expecting too much to expect most intellectuals to have common sense, when their whole life is based on their being uncommon -- that is, saying things that are different from what everyone else is saying. There is only so much genuine originality in anyone. After that, being uncommon means indulging in pointless eccentricities or clever attempts to mock or shock.”
“One piece of good sense would be more memorable than a monument as high as the moon.”