When I get ready to talk to people, I spend two thirds of the time thinking what they want to hear and one third thinking about what I want to say.

The man who stands by and says nothing, when the peril of his government is discussed, can not be misunderstood. If not hindered, he is sure to help the enemy.

If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If any man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool.

Every head should be cultivated.

Always let your subordinates know that the honor will be all theirs if they succeed and the blame will be yours if they fail.

Take all that you can of this book upon reason, and the balance on faith, and you will live and die a happier man. (When a skeptic expressed surprise to see him reading a Bible)

The US patent system adds the fuel of interest to the fire of genius in the discovery and production of new and useful things