But of all the views of this law [universal education] none is more important, none more legitimate, than that of rendering the people the safe, as they are the ultimate, guardians of their own liberty.

Men fight for freedom; then they begin to accumulate laws to take it away from themselves.

It is to secure our rights that we resort to government at all.

No provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority.

I long to be in the midst of the children, and have more pleasure in their little follies than in the wisdom of the wise.

By oft repeating an untruth, men come to believe it themselves.

So, ask the travelled inhabitant of any nation, in what country on earth would you rather live? — Certainly, in my own, where are all my friends, my relations, and the earliest and sweetest affections and recollections of my life. Which would be your second choice? France.