Of publishing a book on religion, my dear sir, I never had an idea. I should as soon think of writing for the reformation of Bedlam, as of the world of religious sects. Of these there must be, at least, ten thousand, every individual of every one of which believes all wrong but his own.

None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed and disciplined is therefore at all times important.

This institution will be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, not tolerate error as long as reason is left free to combat it.

There is no act, however virtuous, for which ingenuity may not find some bad motive.

Everyone must act according to the dictates of his own reason.

As government grows, freedom recedes.

Man is an imitative animal. This quality is the germ of all education in him. From his cradle to his grave he is learning to do what he sees others do.