The wise know too well their weakness to assume infallibility; and he who knows most knows best how little he knows.

Everything is useful which contributes to fix the principles and practices of virtue.

If science produces no better fruits than tyranny... I would rather wish our country to be ignorant, honest and estimable as our neighbouring savages are.

Many are the exercises of power reserved to the States wherein a uniformity of proceeding would be advantageous to all. Such are quarantines, health laws, regulations of the press, banking institutions, training militia, etc., etc.

If ever this vast country is brought under a single government, it will be one of the most extensive corruption.

We confide in our strength, without boasting of it, we respect that of others, without fearing it.

[My] pillar of support through life.... I can say conscientiously that I do not know in the world a man of purer integrity, more dispassionate, disinterested, and devoted to genuine Republicanism; nor could I in the whole scope of America and Europe point out an abler head.