Laws are always unstable unless they are founded on the manners of a nation; and manners are the only durable and resisting power in a people.

If an American was condemned to confine his activity to his own affairs, he would be robbed of one half of his existence.

As the past has ceased to throw its light upon the future, the mind of man wanders in obscurity.

The character of Anglo-American civilization . . . is the product . . . of two perfectly distinct elements that elsewhere have often made war with each other, but which, in America, they have succeeded in incorporating somehow into one another and combining marvelously. I mean to speak of the spirit of religion and the spirit of freedom.

The tie of language is perhaps the strongest and the most durable that can unite mankind.

Generally speaking, only simple conceptions can grip the mind of a nation. An idea that is clear and precise even though false will always have greater power in the world than an idea that is true but complex.

In towns it is impossible to prevent men from assembling, getting excited together and forming sudden passionate resolves. Towns are like great meeting houses with all the inhabitants as members. In them the people wield immense influence over their magistrates and often carry their desires into execution without intermediaries.