Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions

To remain silent is the most useful service that a mediocre speaker can render to the public good.

The only authors whom I acknowledge as American are the journalists. They, indeed, are not great writers, but they speak the language of their countrymen, and make themselves heard by them.

Nations, as well as man, almost always betray the most prominent features of their future destiny in their earliest years.

I am deeply convinced that any permanent, regular administrative system whose aim is to provide for the needs of the poor will breed more miseries than it can cure, will deprave the population that it wants to help and comfort, will dry up the sources of savings, will stop the accumulation of capital, will retard the development of trade, and will benumb human industry.

I see no clear reason why the doctrine of self-interest properly understood should turn men away from religious beliefs.

Democratic institutions generally give men a lofty notion of their country and themselves.