A free government is of all others the most energetic.

The only greater [evil] than separation... [is] living under a government of discretion.

I find as I grow older that I love those most whom I loved first.

Every nation has a right to govern itself internally under what forms it pleases, and to change these forms at its own will.

Nothing can be believed but what one sees, or has from an eye witness.

A good cause is often injured more by ill-timed efforts of its friends than by the arguments of its enemies. Persuasion, perseverance and patience are the best advocates on questions depending on the will of others.

The way to have good and safe government is not to trust it all to one, but to divide it among the many, distributing to everyone exactly the functions in which he is competent ... It is by dividing and subdividing these Republics from the great national one down through all its subordinations until it ends in the administration of everyman's farm by himself, by placing under everyone what his own eye may superintend, that all will be done for the best.