The idea is quite unfounded that on entering into society we give up any natural rights.

Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and inquiry to the truth.

The art of printing secures us against the retrogradation of reason and information.

A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent for a second; that second for a third; and so on, till the bulk of the society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery, to have no sensibilities left but for sin and suffering.

The true fountains of evidence [are] the head and heart of every rational and honest man. It is there nature has written her moral laws, and where every man may read them for himself.

Of all the errors which can possibly be committed to the education of youth, that of sending them to Europe is the most fatal. I see [clearly] that no American should come to Europe under 30 years of age.

A government held together by the bands of reason only, requires much compromise of opinion.