Requests for Information Related to Thomas Jefferson Quotations

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>I am trying to confirm a quote that someone said Jefferson said but I
>can't find it on the web site with his quotes.
>
>Can you tell me if he sai "May the rights of man never be invaded by
>the power of kings"?
>
>If not, any idea who or if their is a search engine on the net for
>famous quotes.  Great web site.  I'm sure I can use it for future
>talks and speeches.

Thanks for visiting the site and for your kind comments.

I do not know a source for the quote you cite, and I doubt very much that
it was written by Thomas Jefferson.  The following is an authentic quote
that is related in subject to the one you inquire about:

"The republican is the only form of government which is not
eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind." --
Thomas Jefferson: Reply to Address, 1790.  Papers, 16:225.
ME 8:6

But notice the difference:  In this quote, Jefferson is saying that the
republican form of government is the ONLY form that has not violated
the rights of man.  In other words, other forms, including kingly
governments especially, are ALWAYS at war with the rights of man.  It
would not be consistent to hope that the rights of man not be invaded by
the power of kings, and then to say that kings have NEVER DONE
ANYTHING ELSE.  Having studied Jefferson's writings for years, I can
assure you that it is very unlikely he would have expressed such
contradictory ideas.

I am sorry I could not be of more help in your search.  You might try
putting a part of the quote (in quotations marks) in one of the search
engines, such as Inforseek, and see if anything turns up.

Best wishes,

Eyler Coates



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