‎We must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude... If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy. Thomas Jefferson
About This Quote

Thomas Jefferson made this statement in 1814 as he drafted the first federal budget. He was trying to convince Americans that if they were to pay taxes, they could become more prosperous and happy as a nation. He felt that everyone would be happier as long as people were able to provide for their own needs and not have their resources squandered by the government.

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  1. I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power...
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