Those who hammer their guns into plows
From Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia
The saying "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not" is sometimes attributed to Thomas Jefferson. We have yet to find any proof that Jefferson ever wrote such a thing. However, his positive views on farmers and farming are well-known. For example:
"Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independant, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to it's liberty and interests by the most lasting bands. As long therefore as they can find emploiment in this line, I would not convert them into mariners, artisans, or any thing else." - Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 23 August 1785[1]
Given his general approbation of farming as an occupation, it casts some doubt on the idea that he would imply (as "those who hammer their guns into plows..." does) that farming for a living might put one at a disadvantage.
