One generation cannot bind another.

The tumults in America I expected would have produced in Europe an unfavorable opinion of our political state. But it has not. On the contrary, the small effect of these tumults seems to have given more confidence in the firmness of our governments. The interposition of the people themselves on the side of government has had a great effect on the opinion here in Europe.

To every obstacle oppose patience, perseverance and soothing language.

We need a revolution every 20 years just to keep government honest.

The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven. I can scarcely expect bread.

From the dissensions among Sects themselves arise necessarily a right of choosing and necessity of deliberating to which we will conform. But if we choose for ourselves, we must allow others to choose also, and so reciprocally, this establishes religious liberty.

History teaches the young the virtues of freedom. By apprising them of the past it will enable them to judge the future.