The plough is to the farmer what the wand is to the sorcerer. Its effect is really like sorcery.

I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

I join you therefore in branding as cowardly the idea that the human mind is incapable of further advances.

Political dissension is doubtless a less evil than the lethargy of despotism: but still it is a great evil, and it would be as worthy the efforts of the patriot as of the philosopher, to exclude its influence if possible, from social life. The good are rare enough at best. There is no reason to subdivide them by artificial lines. But whether we shall ever be able so far to perfect the principles of society as that political opinions shall, in its intercourse, be as inoffensive as those of philosophy, mechanics, or any other, may well be doubted.

The cornerstone of democracy rests on the foundation of an educated electorate.

Liberty is the great parent of science and of virtue; and a nation will be great in both in proportion as it is free.

Trial by jury is part of the bright constellation which leads to peace, liberty and safety.