among the values of classical learning I estimate the Luxury of reading the Greek & Roman authors in all the beauties of their originals ... I think myself more indebted to my father for this, than for all the other luxuries his cares and affections have placed within my reach.

Aristocrats fear the people, and wish to transfer all power to the higher classes of society.

Always take hold of things by the smooth handle grateful that they are not worse rather than the rough handle, bitter that they are not better.

[The purpose of a written constitution is] to bind up the several branches of government by certain laws, which, when they transgress, their acts shall become nullities; to render unnecessary an appeal to the people, or in other words a rebellion, on every infraction of their rights, on the peril that their acquiescence shall be construed into an intention to surrender those rights.

All men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.

We discover in the gospels a groundwork of vulgar ignorance, of things impossible, of superstition, fanaticism and fabrication .