Outside Independence Hall when the Constitutional Convention of 1787 ended, Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia asked Benjamin Franklin, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" With no hesitation whatsoever, Franklin responded, "A republic, if you can keep it."

After getting the first hundred pounds, it is more easy to get the second.

Reading was the only amusement I allowed myself

Life is rather a state of embryo, a preparation for life; a man is not completely born till he has passed through death.

whatever you become be good at it

Eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation.

Necessity never made a good bargain.