Laws that forbid the carrying of arms . . . disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes . . . Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.

He does most in God's great world who does his best in his own little world.

Politics is such a torment that I advise everyone I love not to mix with it.

Travelling is good for your health and necessary for your amusement.

The idea is quite unfounded that on entering into society we give up any natural rights.

It is part of the American character to consider nothing as desperate.

I know nothing more important to inculcate into the minds of young people than the wisdom, the honor, and the blessed comfort of living within their income.