It may be affirmed, without extravagance, that the free institutions we enjoy, have developed the powers, and improved the condition, of our whole people, beyond any example in the world.

I never tire of reading Tom Paine.

I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.

We can succeed only by concert. It is not 'can any of us imagine better?, but 'can we all do better?

We cannot escape history.

I shall adopt new views as fast as they shall appear to be true views.

A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.