No one has a right to obstruct another exercising his faculties innocently for the relief of sensibilities made a part of his nature.

It is to them I look, to the rising generation, and not to the one now in power, for these great reformations i.e., emancipation of slaves and settlement of the Virginia constitution on a firmer and more permanent basis.

The equal rights of man and the happiness of every individual are now acknowledged to be the only legitimate objects of government.

Never trouble another for what you can do yourself

If we are made in some degree for others, yet in a greater are we made for ourselves.

Wisdom I know is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival.

I have never conceived that having been in public life required me to belie my sentiments, or to conceal them. Opinion and the just maintenance of it shall never be a crime in my view, nor bring injury on the individual. I never will by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance. I never had an opinion in politics or religion which I was afraid to own; a reserve on these subjects might have procured me more esteem from some people, but less from myself.