The power of making war often prevents it, and in our case would give efficacy to our desire of peace.

I have never conceived that having been in public life required me to belie my sentiments, or to conceal them. Opinion and the just maintenance of it shall never be a crime in my view, nor bring injury on the individual. I never will by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance. I never had an opinion in politics or religion which I was afraid to own; a reserve on these subjects might have procured me more esteem from some people, but less from myself.

I endeavor to keep their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom & happiness of man.

The main objects of all science, the freedom and happiness of man. . . . [are] the sole objects of all legitimate government. A plaque with this quotation, with the first phrase omitted, is in the stairwell of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.

I am a Christian in the only sense in which He wished anyone to be: sincerely attached to His doctrines in preference to all others.

How soon the labor of men would make a paradise of the earth were it not for misgovernment and a diversion of his energies to selfish interests.

I find that he is happiest of whom the world says least, good or bad.