The contradictory experiments of chemists leave us at liberty to conclude what we please. My conclusion is, that art has not yet invented sufficient aids to enable such subtle bodies [air, light, &c.] to make a well-defined impression on organs as blunt as ours; that it is laudable to encourage investigation but to hold back conclusion.

Never did a prisoner, released from his chains, feel such relief as I shall on shaking off the shackles of power.

No man will ever carry out of the Presidency the reputation which carried him into it.

Although our prospect is peace, our policy and purpose are to provide for defense by all those means to which our resources are competent.

I am opposed to any form of tyranny over the mind of man.

Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends [life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness] it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.

A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.