Republican democracy is overperfect and demands political virtues and talents far superior to our own.

If Nature is opposed, we will fight her and make her obbey us.

The art of victory is learned in defeat.

Out of the most secure things, the most secure is to doubt.

Among the popular and representative systems of government I do not approve of the federal system: it is too perfect; and it requires virtues and political talents much superior to our own.

A state too expensive in itself, or by virtue of its dependencies, ultimately falls into decay.

Flee the country where a lone man holds all power: It is a nation of slaves.