Nothing is so dangerous as that of violence employed by well-meaning people for beneficial objects.

Those that despise people will never get the best out of others and themselves.

Local assemblies of the people constitute the strength of free nations. Municipal institutions are to liberty what primary schools are to science: they bring it within the people's reach, and teach them how to use and enjoy it. A nation may establish a system of free government, but without the spirit of municipal institutions it cannot have the spirit of liberty.

In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships.

The whole life of an American is passed like a game of chance, a revolutionary crisis, or a battle.

Consider any individual at any period of his life, and you will always find him preoccupied with fresh plans to increase his comfort.

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.