We must use a good deal of economy in our wood, never cutting down new, where we can make the old do.

The present generation has the same right of self-government which the past one has exercised for itself.

The variety of opinions leads to questions. Questions lead to truth.

In every free and deliberating society, there must, from the nature of man, be opposite parties, and violent dissensions and discords; and one of these, for the most part, must prevail over the other for a longer or shorter time.

If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.

‎We must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.

All men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.