I am convinced that those societies (such as the Native American peoples) which live without government enjoy in their general mass an infinitely greater degree of happiness than those who live under the European governments. Among the former, public opinion is in the place of law, & restrains morals as powerfully as laws ever did anywhere. Among the latter, under pretence of governing they have divided their nations into two classes, wolves & sheep. I do not exaggerate.

Any woodsman can tell you that in a broken and sundered nest, one can hardly find more than a precious few whole eggs. So it is with the family.

Nothing can now be believed that is seen in a newspaper.

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

I view great cities as pestilential to the morals, the health, and the liberties of man.

Do not neglect your music. It will be a companion which will sweeten many hours of life to you.

I do love this people [the French] with all my heart, and think that with a better religion and a better form of government and their present governors their condition and country would be most enviable.