Thomas JeffersonI've resolved to renounce embarrassment in favor of enjoyment
Played by Stephen Dillane
John Adams · 37 quotes
2nd most-quoted character in John Adams: in 9 of its 37 quotes
Most scenes with: John Adams (5), Abigail Adams (2), Alexander Hamilton (2)
Lines by Thomas Jefferson 1
Thomas JeffersonScenes with Thomas Jefferson 8
Well, I have been in France for such a short time. It would be unfair to pass sentence or form judgement.
Thomas JeffersonWhich implies that you've already done both.
Well, if I had, Mr. Jefferson, I would only offer them after my further experience had shown my wisdom or the error of my ways.
Thomas JeffersonAn admirable caution.
Yes, and highly uncharacteristic, I assure you.
Paris is unique.
Thomas JeffersonYes, and best enjoyed in the company of women.
Women would add interest to many things, Mr. Jefferson, if men would allow it.
Thomas JeffersonWell, that has been my experience, Ms. Adams.
Thomas JeffersonI've been, as you know, in revolutionary France, where the streets are filled with the songs of Liberty and Brotherhood, and the overthrow of ancient tyrannies of Europe. And to return from there to this, our cradle of revolution, and find the dinner table chatter is all of money, and banks, and authority, is an unwelcome surprise.
Unwelcome perhaps, but necessary.
The future prosperity of this nation rests chiefly in trade. Trade depends, among other things, on the willingness of other nations to lend us money.
Thomas JeffersonAnd how would you propose to establish international credit?
Our first step would be to incur a national debt. The greater the debt, the greater the credit. And to that end I have recommended to the president that Congress adopt all the debts incurred by the individual states during the war through a national bank. The idea being that if the states owe Congress money, then other nations will feel more inclined to lend it to us.
Thomas JeffersonIf the states are indebted to a central authority, it increases the power of the central government.
There you have it exactly. The greater the government's responsibility, the greater its authority.
Thomas JeffersonThe moneyed interest in this country is all in the north, so the wealth and power would inevitably be concentrated there in a federal government. To the expense of the south.
If that is the case, it is unavoidable if the Union is to be preserved.
Thomas JeffersonI fear our revolution will have been in vain if a Virginia farmer is to be held in hock to a New York stock jobber, who in turn is in hock to a London banker. The opportunities for avarice and corruption would certainly prove irresistible.
Well there you have it, as I have heard said, "If men were angels then no government would be necessary."
Thomas JeffersonOur constitution has many good articles, and some bad ones. I do not know yet which predominate.
Well without this government our republic would have collapsed into anarchy long ago.
Thomas JeffersonWith this government, I am not certain that we are a republic.
Thomas JeffersonWell... to the revolution.
Whose?
Thomas Jefferson[angrily] They are one and the same, John! Are they not?
These war measures will protect us from insurrection and subversion.
Thomas JeffersonThere is no war.
And that is the principle behind these measures - the prevention of war.
Thomas JeffersonYou cannot protect the nation by attacking the right of every man to speak freely without fear. You're trampling on the Constitution. The states will have no alternative but to resist these measures, which are an assault on the liberty of their people.
Yes, but the people's representatives demanded these acts. Would you have me deaf to the voice of the people?
Thomas JeffersonIf the Federalist conspirators are allowed to defeat this election, there will be resistance by force, and the consequences could be incalculable.
The outcome of this election is within your power. You would do well to quiet your revolutionary notions, Thomas. You have only to say that you will not turn out the government's officers, will maintain the navy, that you will honor the national debt - all of which the Federalists hold dear - and the government will instantly be in your hands.
Thomas JeffersonI will not enter office but in perfect freedom to follow the dictates of my own judgment.
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