The word "independence" is united to the accessory ideas of dignity and virtue. The word "dependence" is united to the ideas of inferiority and corruption.

Natural rights is simple nonsense: natural and imprescriptible rights, rhetorical nonsense—nonsense upon stilts.

Lawyers are the only persons in whom ignorance of the law is not punished.

No power of government ought to be employed in the endeavor to establish any system or article of belief on the subject of religion.

The turn of a sentence has decided the fate of many a friendship, and, for aught that we know, the fate of many a kingdom.

Reputation is the road to power

Happiness is a very pretty thing to feel, but very dry to talk about.