Equality of talents, of education, or of wealth can not be produced by human institutions.

In a free government the demand for moral qualities should be made superior to that of talents.

I carried $5000 when I went to Washington. I returned with barely $90 in our pockets.

Men do not get up and do mischief, without there is someone in the head of it.

Internal improvement and the diffusion of knowledge, so far as they can be promoted by the constitutional acts of the Federal Government, are of high importance.

My political enemies I can freely forgive; but as for who abused me when I was serving my country in the field, and those who attacked me for serving my country -- Doctor, that is a different case.

To the victors belong the spoils.