We prefer war in all cases to tribute under any form and to any people whatever.

I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowlege among the people. no other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom, and happiness.

All we can do is to make the best of our friends, love and cherish what is good in them, and keep out of the way what is bad.

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.

A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.

Unless the mass retains sufficient control over those entrusted with the powers of their government, these will be perverted to their own oppression, and to the perpetuation of wealth and power in the individuals and their families selected for the trust.

Natural rights [are] the objects for the protection of which society is formed and municipal laws established.