Those characters wherein fear predominates over hope may apprehend too much from...instances of irregularity. They may conclude too hastily that nature has formed man insusceptible of any other government than that of force, a conclusion not founded in truth nor experience.

The greatest good we can do our country is to heal its party divisions and make them one people.

I think all the world would gain by setting commerce at perfect liberty.

As new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.

A coward is much more exposed to quarrels than a man of spirit.

I find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise.

There is... an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents... The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government, and provision should be made to prevent its ascendency.