Perfection in wisdom, as well as in integrity, is neither required nor expected in these agents (public servants). It belongs not to man. The wise know too well their weaknesses to assume infallibility; and he who knows most, knows best how little he knows.

That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part.

A single good government is a blessing to the whole earth.

Where thought is free in its range, we need never fear to hazard what is good in itself.

The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents. There is no safe deposit for these but with the people themselves, nor can they be safe with them without information. Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe.

The possession of facts is knowledge; the use of them is wisdom.

Governments constantly choose between telling lies and fighting wars, with the end result always being the same. One will always lead to the other.