I do not believe war the most certain means of enforcing principles. Those peaceable coercions which are in the power of every nation, if undertaken in concert and in time of peace, are more likely to produce the desired effect.

The same political parties which now agitiate the US have existed through all time. And in fact the terms of whig and tory belong to natural as well as to civil history. They denote the temper and constitution and mind of different individuals.

The selfish spirit of commerce, which knows no country, and feels no passion or principle but that of gain.

Freedom, the first-born of science.

Religious leaders will always avail themselves of public ignorance for their own purpose.

He alone who walks strict and upright, and who, in matters of opinion, will be contented that others should be as free as himself and acquiesce when his opinion is freely overruled, will attain his object in the end.

I endeavor to keep their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom & happiness of man.