Like as a wise man in time of peace prepares for war.

Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society.

There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate, upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.

I consider it an indispensible duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them into his Holy keeping.

I am led to reflect how much more delightful to an undebauched mind is the task of making improvements on the earth, than all the vain glory which can be acquired from ravaging it by the most uninterrupted career of conquests.

Rise early, that by habit it may become familiar, agreeable, healthy, and profitable.

Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world.