Every man has two countries: his own and France.

The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents.

Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.

In matters of religion, I have considered that its free exercise is placed by the Constitution independent of the powers of the general government. I have therefore undertaken on no occasion to prescribe the religious exercises suited to it; but have left them as the Constitution found them, under the direction and discipline of State or Church authorities acknowledged by the several religious societies.

Every man is under the natural duty of contributing to the necessities of the society; and this is all the laws should enforce on him.

I believe in good luck, and the harder I work and the more I believe in myself, the luckier I get.

War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.