I understand that it is a maxim of law, that a poor plea may be a good plea to a bad declaration.

The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but can not do at all, or can not so well do, for themselves – in their separate, and individual capacities.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.

You know you've reached middle age when all you exercise is caution

There may sometimes be ungenerous attempts to keep a young man down; and they will succeed too, if he allows his mind to be diverted from its true channel to brood over the attempted injury. Cast about, and see if this feeling has not injured every person you have ever known to fall into it.

I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.

Believing everybody is dangerous, but believing nobody is more dangerous.