Government can do something for the people only in proportion as it can do something to the people.

I am not afraid of the priests. They have tried upon me all their various batteries, of pious whining, hypocritical canting, lying and slandering, without being able to give me one moment of pain.

Though [the people] may acquiesce, they cannot approve what they do not understand.

Every generation needs a new revolution.

I believe the states can best govern our home concerns, and the general government our foreign ones.

I have come to a resolution myself as I hope every good citizen will, never again to purchase any article of foreign manufacture which can be had of American make, be the difference of price what it may.

Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth; and I am sure...we both value too much the freedom of opinion sanctioned by our Constitution, not to cherish its exercise even where in opposition to ourselves.