To anticipate and prevent disasterous contingencies would be the part of wisdom and patriotism.

Nothing is more essential, than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated.

When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.

My ardent desire is... to keep the United States free from political connexions with every other Country. To see that they may be independent of all, and under the influence of none.

Example, whether it be good or bad, has a powerful influence.

Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind: for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.

It is in vain, I perceive, to look for ease and happiness in a world of troubles.