I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere.

If I had to choose between government without newspapers, and newspapers without government, I wouldn't hesitate to choose the latter

I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowlege among the people. no other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom, and happiness.

The rights [to religious freedom] are of the natural rights of mankind, and ... if any act shall be ... passed to repeal [an act granting those rights] or to narrow its operation, such act will be an infringement of natural right.

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

The happiness of society depends so much on preventing party spirit from infecting the common intercourse of life, that nothing should be spared to harmonize and amalgamate the two parties in social circles.

We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed.