Our wish is that...[there be] maintained that state of property, equal or unequal, which results to every man from his own industry or that of his fathers.

No government should be without critics. If its intentions are good then it has nothing to fear from criticism.

The chief purpose of government is to protect life. Abandon that and you have abandoned all.

[If a book were] very innocent, and one which might be confided to the reason of any man; not likely to be much read if let alone, but if persecuted, it will be generally read. Every man in the United States will think it a duty to buy a copy, in vindication of his right to buy and to read what he pleases.

The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.

The best commentary on the principles of government which has ever been written.

We see the wisdom of Solon's remark, that no more good must be attempted than the nation can bear.