Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence, and deem them like the ark of the Covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human, and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment.

We confide in our strength, without boasting of it, we respect that of others, without fearing it.

If the Wise be the happy man... he must be virtuous too; for, without virtue, happiness cannot be. This then is the true scope of all academical emulation.

I have overlived the generation with which mutual labors & perils begat mutual confidence and influence.

Without society, and a society to our taste, men are never contented.

I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.

I leave the world and its affairs to the young and energetic, and resign myself to their care, of whom I have endeavored to take care when young.