Thomas Jefferson: Cheap or Dear

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying don’t buy stuff you don’t want, if it’s cheap it could feel very expensive to you. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“Never buy what you do not want, because it is cheap; it will be dear to you” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote from Thomas Jefferson advises against making purchases solely because an item is inexpensive, if it’s not genuinely something you need or will use. Even if the up-front cost is low, buying unnecessary things can still end up “dear to you” in other ways – it wastes money, cluttering your home with possessions that need to be stored or maintained.

The quote suggests it’s better to spend judiciously based on true needs and value rather than impulse. While deals can be tempting, focusing first on quality over quantity and restraining from non-essential spending even when things are cheap can help save money in the long run.

Overall, the message seems to be that price alone shouldn’t determine purchases – only buy what will be genuinely useful or meaningful.

Birthday: April 13, 1743 – Death: July 4, 1826

Thomas Jefferson: Banking Armies

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying banks are more dangerous than soldiers spending our money on huge scale. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote suggests that Thomas Jefferson believed banks posed a greater threat to society than standing armies, and that accruing large government debts to be paid by future generations through practices like deficit spending was essentially a form of widespread fraud.

He appears to be arguing that concentrating financial power in banks allows them to exert dangerous influence, and taking on debt obligations that must be serviced long into the future amounts to deceiving those who will inherit the liabilities.

Jefferson seems to have viewed these policies as irresponsible and unfair ways to commit future citizens to burdens without their consent for the benefit of present interests.

The quote conveys Jefferson’s strong opposition to centralized banking powers and growing long-term debt that he felt compromised the well-being and autonomy of posterity.

Birthday: April 13, 1743 – Death: July 4, 1826

Thomas Jefferson: Wealth Splendor

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying that being happy comes from being occupied and at peace, not being wealthy. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote from Thomas Jefferson suggests that true happiness and life satisfaction come not from the pursuit of wealth, luxury or status, but rather from having a peaceful, tranquil state of mind along with a sense of purposeful occupation or activity.

Jefferson appears to be saying that while material possessions may bring temporary pleasure, lasting happiness depends more on cultivating inner calm and finding meaningful ways to spend one’s time through work, hobbies, family or service.

The quote implies that those who focus on attaining wealth or lavish lifestyles risk missing out on the deeper and more enduring forms of fulfillment that come from tranquility of spirit as well as engaging in pursuits that give life richness and fulfillment.

Birthday: April 13, 1743 – Death: July 4, 1826

Thomas Jefferson: Honesty Riches

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying he hadn’t seen levels of honesty grow with wealth. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“I have not observed mens honesty to increase with their riches” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote suggests that Thomas Jefferson did not believe people necessarily become more honest or virtuous as they accumulate more wealth and riches. He appears to be expressing skepticism that morality and integrity necessarily scale up along with financial prosperity.

Jefferson seems to be implying, based on his observations, that getting richer does not always correlate with becoming more trustworthy or principled. The quote conveys Jefferson’s perspective that affluence on its own does not necessarily translate to higher integrity or honesty according to his experience.

Birthday: April 13, 1743 – Death: July 4, 1826

Thomas Jefferson: Pay War Losses

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying that even those wars with good results can pay for itself and losses of war. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“The most successful war seldom pays for its losses” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote from Thomas Jefferson suggests that while military victories may be won on the battlefield, the overall costs of war often outweigh the gains. Jefferson appears to be acknowledging that while war can achieve political or territorial objectives, the financial burdens, loss of life, long-term healthcare for veterans, and other impacts rarely make war a worthwhile investment even for the victor.

The message seems to be that nations should enter armed conflict only as an absolute last resort, since the consequences of war tend to linger and undermine prosperity long after any fighting ends.

Overall, the quote conveys Jefferson’s view that war should not be glorified or seen as a path to enrichment, but rather understood as a tragic last option due to the severe toll it takes on societies regardless of victory.

Birthday: April 13, 1743 – Death: July 4, 1826

Thomas Jefferson: School Expenses

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying school costs should be paid by those who benefit from the local educational system. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“The expenses of schools should be borne by the inhabitants of the county, every one in proportion to his general tax-rate. This would throw on wealth the education of the poor” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote suggests that Thomas Jefferson believed the costs of public schools should be funded through local property taxes paid by county residents. He appears to be proposing that everyone contribute based on how much tax they already pay on their property, which would effectively mean wealthier landowners subsidizing the education of children from poorer families.

Jefferson seems to have felt it was appropriate for those with greater means (“wealth”) to help cover the schooling expenses of those in poverty, seeing basic education as a benefit that could be supported through redistribution of resources at a local level according to one’s assets. The quote conveys Jefferson’s view that property taxes were a justified way to generate educational opportunities for all socioeconomic classes in a community.

Birthday: April 13, 1743 – Death: July 4, 1826

Thomas Jefferson: Pride Costs More

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying that being proud can cost us more than deprivation and suffering. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“Pride costs more than hunger, thirst and cold” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote from Thomas Jefferson suggests that pride or arrogance can be more damaging than even basic physical needs like hunger, thirst and cold. Jefferson seems to be saying that while lack of food, water and shelter pose serious threats, allowing pride to control one’s actions and decisions may have an even higher cost in the long run.

The quote implies that pride can lead people to make poor choices that undermine relationships, opportunities and well-being if they refuse to acknowledge limitations, make concessions or accept help due to an inflated ego.

Overall, Jefferson appears to be advising that it’s better to set aside pride and swallow one’s ego when needed rather than suffer greater negative consequences as a result of prideful behavior.

Birthday: April 13, 1743 – Death: July 4, 1826

Thomas Jefferson: Buy American

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying that he was a very early proponent of ‘Buy American’ with a resolution to avoid foreign purchases. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“I have come to a resolution myself as I hope every good citizen will, never again to purchase any article of foreign manufacture which can be had of American make, be the difference of price what it may” — Thomas Jefferson

In this quote, Thomas Jefferson is advocating for buying American-made products over foreign imports, even if the American products are more expensive. He states that he has decided as a “good citizen” to never again purchase any foreign-made item that has an equivalent American-made option available.

Jefferson is essentially promoting a form of economic nationalism and protectionism by encouraging consumers to prioritize buying domestic goods to support American industries and jobs. His view is that this is an important civic duty, regardless of any potential price difference compared to imported alternatives.

The quote reflects Jefferson’s belief that citizens should be willing to pay a higher price, or absorb a “difference of price”, for American goods in order to strengthen the national economy and self-sufficiency by keeping manufacturing and trade dollars within the domestic market. He sees buying American as a patriotic act of good citizenship.

Birthday: April 13, 1743 – Death: July 4, 1826