Civil government being the sole object of forming societies, its administration must be conducted by common consent.

When the subject is strong, simplicity is the only way to treat it.

Ignorance and bigotry, like other insanities, are incapable of self-government.

Against us are all timid men who prefer the calm of despotism to the boisterous sea of liberty We are likely to preserve the liberty we have obtained only by unremitting labors and perils.

Nothing can be believed but what one sees, or has from an eye witness.

The introduction of so powerful an agent as steam [to a carriage on wheels] will make a great change in the situation of man.

The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents. There is no safe deposit for these but with the people themselves, nor can they be safe with them without information. Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe.