We often repent of what we have said, but never, never, of that which we have not.

A mind always employed is always happy. This is the true secret, the grand recipe, for felicity.

The art of reasoning becomes of first importance. In this line antiquity has left us the finest models for imitation; I should consider the speeches of Livy, Sallust, and Tacitus, as pre-eminent specimens of logic, taste, and that sententious brevity which, using not a word to spare, leaves not a moment for inattention to the hearer. Amplification is the vice of modern oratory.

Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.

If ever there was a holy war, it was that which saved our liberties and gave us independence.

Dependence leads to subservience.

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.