His system of morality was the most benevolent and sublime probably that has been ever taught, and consequently more perfect than those of any of the ancient philosophers... He was the most innocent, the most benevolent, the most eloquent and sublime character that ever has been exhibited to man.

The past stays put, I just keep moving farther away from it.

The application requisite to the duties of the office I hold [governor of Virginia] is so excessive, and the execution of them after all so imperfect, that I have determined to retire from it at the close of the present campaign.

Error indeed has often prevailed by the assistance of power or force. Truth is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error.

This I hope will be the age of experiments in government, and that their basis will be founded in principles of honesty, not of mere force.

Freedom, the first-born of science.

If a sect arises whose tenets would subvert morals, good sense has fair play and reasons and laughs it out of doors without suffering the State to be troubled with it.