Books Quote by Thomas Jefferson
““Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia. [ Epitaph, upon his instructions to erect a 'a plain die or cube ... surmounted by an Obelisk' with 'the following inscription, and not a word more…because by these, as testimonials that I have lived, I wish most to be remembered.' It omits that he had been President of the United States, a position of political power and prestige, and celebrates his involvement in the creation of the means of inspiration and instruction by which many human lives have been liberated from oppression and ignorance ]””
About This Quote
Source Epitaph inscription on Thomas Jefferson’s grave, 1826
A self‑crafted epitaph emphasizing his intellectual legacy over political titles, seeking remembrance for ideas that freed humanity.
In simple terms: He wants to be remembered for his ideas, not his office.
Key Takeaway
Focus on lasting ideas, not titles.
Themes
legacy
freedom
intellectualism
Mood
reflective
solemn
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- memorials
- historical biographies
- public speeches
Key Concepts
human rights
enlightenment
education
Questions to Reflect On
- Which aspect of your legacy matters most?
- How do you want future generations to remember you?
A Different Perspective
Epitaphs can simplify complex lives to single narratives.
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![“May it [American independence] be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73f/thomas-jefferson-43_american-independenc_may-it-american-independence-be-to-the-w_931310.jpg)
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
