The bloom of Monticello is chilled by my solitude.

The spirit of this country is totally adverse to a large military force.

When habit has strengthened our sense of duties, they leave us no time for other things; but when young we neglect them and this gives us time for anything.

The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.

Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. . . . We might as well require a man to wear the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain forever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.

If you have any duty which must be done, and it seems disagreeable, do it promptly and have it over.

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.