Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the form of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question.

Every people may establish what form of government they please, and change it as they please, the will of the nation being the only thing essential.

The diffusion of information and the arraignment of all abuses at the bar of public reason, I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government, and consequently [one of] those which ought to shape its administration.

One of my favorite ideas is, never to keep an unnecessary soldier.

How much pain they have cost us, the evils which have never happened.

We see the wisdom of Solon's remark, that no more good must be attempted than the nation can bear.

The issuing power [of money] should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs.