Man is fed with fables through life, and leaves it in the belief he knows something of what has been passing, when in truth he knows nothing but what has passed under his own eyes.

A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the highest virtues of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. To lose our country by a scrupulous adherence to written law would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property and all those who are enjoying them with us; thus absurdly sacrificing the end to the means.

besides the comfort of knowlege, every science is auxiliary to every other.

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.

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.

The wise know too well their weakness to assume infallibility; and he who knows most knows best how little he knows.

Health is worth more than learning.