We must judge a government by its general tendencies and not by its happy accidents.

Thus, then, stands the case. It is good, that authors should be remunerated; and the least exceptionable way of remunerating them is by a monopoly. Yet monopoly is an evil. For the sake of the good we must submit to the evil; but the evil ought not to last a day longer than is necessary for the purpose of securing the good.

Men are never so likely to settle a question rightly as when they discuss it freely.

The end of government is the happiness of the people.

The hearts of men are their books; events are their tutors; great actions are their eloquence.

The most beautiful object in the world, it will be allowed, is a beautiful woman.

The effect of violent dislike between groups has always created an indifference to the welfare and honor of the state.