The variety of opinions leads to questions. Questions lead to truth.

No other depositories of power [but the people themselves] have ever yet been found, which did not end in converting to their own profit the earnings of those committed to their charge.

Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error.

Questions of natural right are triable by their conformity with the moral sense and reason of man.

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.

The mass of our citizens may be divided into two classes -- the laboring and the learned. The laboring will need the first grade of education to qualify them for their pursuits and duties; the learned will need it as a foundation for further acquirements.

To take a single step beyond the text would be to take possession of a boundless field of power.