American people Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent they conquered.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1797, on banking and currency
Allowing private banks to control money leads to inflation, deflation, and eventual loss of property for citizens.
In simple terms: Bank control harms citizens.
Guard against private monetary control.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- banking regulation
- currency policy
- public awareness
- political activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can protect currency independence?
- How can citizens hold banks accountable?
Private banks may still influence policy through lobbying.