The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.

Men living in democratic times have many passions, but most of their passions either end in the love of riches, or proceed from it.

General ideas are no proof of the strength, but rather of the insufficiency of the human intellect.

To get the inestimable good that freedom of the press assures one must know how to submit to the inevitable evil it gives rise to.

The electors see their representative not only as a legislator for the state but also as the natural protector of local interests in the legislature; indeed, they almost seem to think that he has a power of attorney to represent each constituent, and they trust him to be as eager in their private interests as in those of the country.

It profits me but little, after all, that a vigilant authority always protects the tranquility of my pleasures and constantly averts all dangers from my path, without my care or concern, if this same authority is the absolute master of my liberty and my life.

The more alike men are, the weaker each feels in the face of all.