We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men. We...solemnly publish and declare, that these colonies are and of a right ought to be free and independent states...and for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour.

It is important to strengthen the State governments; and as this cannot be done by any change in the Federal Constitution (for the preservation of that is all we need contend for), it must be done by the States themselves, erecting such barriers at the constitutional line as cannot be surmounted either by themselves or by the General Government. The only barrier in their power is a wise government. A weak one will lose ground in every contest.

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.

If we cannot secure all our rights, let us secure what we can.

I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.

We sometimes from dreams pick up some hint worth improving by reflection.

We figure great careers aren't made. They're experienced.