"If NATURE has made any one thing..." - Quote by Thomas Jefferson
If NATURE has made any one thing less susceptible than all others of exclusive property, it is the action of the thinking power called an idea... No one possesses the less, because every other possess the whole of it. He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.
More by Thomas Jefferson
“The protection of our citizens, the spirit and honor of our country, requirethat force should be interposed to a certain degree.”
“France, freed from that monster, Bonaparte, must again become the most agreeable country on earth. It would be the second choice of all whose ties of family and fortune give a preference to some other one, and the first choice of all not under those ties.”
“One travels more usefully when alone, because he reflects more.”
More on Ideas
More on Knowledge
“Somebody who only reads newspapers and at best books of contemporary authors looks to me like an extremely near-sighted person who scorns eyeglasses. He is completely dependent on the prejudices and fashions of his times, since he never gets to see or hear anything else.”
“Who keeps the old akindle and adds new knowledge is fitted to be a teacher.”
“What an admirable training is science for the more active warfare of life! Indeed, the unchallenged bravery which these studies imply, is far more impressive than the trumpeted valor of the warrior.”