The good or ill hap of a good or ill life, is the good or ill choice of a good or ill wife.

Keep conscience clear, then never fear.

Force shites upon Reason's Back.

We are more heavily taxed by our idleness, pride and folly than we are taxed by government.

When confronted with two courses of action I jot down on a piece of paper all the arguments in favor of each one, then on the opposite side I write the arguments against each one. Then by weighing the arguments pro and con and cancelling them out, one against the other, I take the course indicated by what remains.

People are best convinced by things they themselves discover.

Repeal that [welfare] law, and you will soon see a change in their manners. ... Six days shalt thou labor, though one of the old commandments long treated as out of date, will again be looked upon as a respectable precept; industry will increase, and with it plenty among the lower people; their circumstances will mend, and more will be done for their happiness by inuring them to provide for themselves, than could be done by dividing all your estates among them.