An hereditary aristocracy... will change the form of our governments from the best to the worst in the world.

The sun - my almighty physician.

There is no justification for taking away individuals' freedom in the guise of public safety.

The people are the ultimate guardians of their own liberties. In every government on earth is some trace of human weakness, some germ of corruption and degeneracy . . . Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone.

Good humor is one of the preservatives of our peace and tranquility.

I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries as long as they are chiefly agricultural; and this will be as long as there shall be vacant lands in any part of America. When they get piled upon one another in large cities as in Europe, they will become corrupt as in Europe.

Private enterprise manages so much better all the concerns to which it is equal.