It is from the midst of this putrid sewer that the greatest river of human industry springs up and carries fertility to the whole world. From this foul drain pure gold flows forth.

As I see it, only God can be all-powerful without danger, because his wisdom and justice are always equal to his power. Thus there is no authority on earth so inherently worthy of respect, or invested with a right so sacred, that I would want to let it act without oversight or rule without impediment (p. 290).

The last thing abandoned by a party is its phraseology.

There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle.

Comfort becomes a goal when distinctions of rank are abolished and privileges destroyed.

What is understood by republican government in the United States is the slow and quiet action of society upon itself.

Democracy does not create strong ties between people. But it does make living together easier.