I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty.

A Man's management of his own purse speaks volumes about character

A republic will avoid war unless the avoidance might create conditions that are worse than warfare itself. Sometimes, the dispositions of those who choose to make themselves our enemies leaves us no choice.

All power is inherent in the people.

One precedent in favor of power is stronger than a hundred against it.

It is as useless to argue with those who have renounced the use of reason as to administer medication to the dead.

Shake off all the fears and servile prejudices under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear... Your own reason is the only oracle given you by heaven, and you are answerable not for the rightness but uprightness of the decision.