History has informed us that bodies of men as well as individuals are susceptible of the spirit of tyranny.

If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?

No man has greater confidence than I have in the spirit of the people, to a rational extent. Whatever they can, they will.

We are now trusting to those who are against us in position and principle, to fashion to their own form the minds and affections of our youth... This canker is eating on the vitals of our existence, and if not arrested at once, will be beyond remedy.

When earth is rich it bids defiance to droughts, yields in abundance and of the best quality.

Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.

A country whose buildings are of wood, can never increase in its improvements to any considerable degree.... Whereas when buildings are of durable materials, every new edifice is an actual and permanent acquisition to the state, adding to its value as well as to its ornament.