Of all the errors which can possibly be committed to the education of youth, that of sending them to Europe is the most fatal. I see [clearly] that no American should come to Europe under 30 years of age.

Erecting the 'wall of separation between church and state'... is absolutely essential in a free society.

Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give the earth itself and all it contains, rather than do an immoral act.

The idea is quite unfounded that on entering into society we give up any natural rights.

In a republican nation whose citizens are to be led by reason and persuasion and not by force, the art of reasoning becomes of first importance.... Reason and persuasion are the only practicable instruments. To make way for these, free inquiry must be indulged.... Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to the facts, pardon and pacify them.

Above all I hope that the education of the common people will be attended to so they won't forget the basic principles of freedom.

It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God.