Thomas Jefferson: Informed Democracy

Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying without knowledge, transparency and full disclosure, we are not free and cannot afford to increase the wealth of knowledge. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“Information is the currency of democracy” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote suggests that Thomas Jefferson saw access to information as important for democracy to function properly. He appears to be drawing a comparison between information and currency, implying that just as money drives economic transactions, the free flow of ideas and facts drives democratic decision making by an informed electorate.

Jefferson seems to have believed that democracy relies on citizens having open access to information from diverse sources in order to make sound judgments in elections and civic participation. The quote conveys Jefferson’s view that transparency and sharing of information is vital for a democratic system, similar to how currency enables commerce.

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

Thomas Jefferson on Bank Control

Thomas Jefferson Money Quotation saying controlling the ebb and flow of cash in our society is a complex process of regulation, taxation and legislation that banks should have less control of. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation then by deflation, the banks and the corporations will grow up around them, will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs — Thomas Jefferson

This quote suggests that Thomas Jefferson strongly believed the power to issue currency (i.e. control the money supply) should not be delegated to private banks. He appears to be warning that if banks are allowed to freely inflate and deflate the currency for their own benefit, it would initially lead to rising prices through inflation.

This would be followed by a collapse in the money supply and severe deflation that deprives people of their property and wealth. Jefferson felt that concentrating this influential power in banks’ hands could ultimately leave future generations homeless after their ancestors had built the country.

He advocated for restoring currency control to the people and their elected leaders to whom it “properly belongs”, rather than being dictated by private financial interests. The quote conveys Jefferson’s firm conviction that independent central banking posed major risks to economic stability and average citizens’ well-being over the long run.

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

Thomas Jefferson: Rich Preying on Poor

Thomas Jefferson Money Quotation saying Financial cannibalism when the wealthy feast on the poor is worse than what is common in banking and business. Thomas Jefferson said:
 

 

“Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor” — Thomas Jefferson

This quote suggests that Thomas Jefferson believed the poor were often exploited and taken advantage of by the rich in society. He appears to be criticizing the tendency of wealthy members of society to “prey” upon and essentially consume the economic resources and well-being of the poor for their own gain.

By describing this behavior as something no other animal engages in besides “man”, Jefferson portrays it as unnatural and harmful. The quote conveys Jefferson’s view that inequality could lead to abuse, with those in poverty vulnerable to exploitation by the rich for monetary benefit according to his experience.

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