Reading, reflection and time have convinced me that the interests of society require the observation of those moral precepts only in which all religions agree.

Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto.

Cultivators of the earth are the most virtuous and independent citizens.

The main objects of all science, the freedom and happiness of man. . . . [are] the sole objects of all legitimate government. A plaque with this quotation, with the first phrase omitted, is in the stairwell of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.

For if one link in nature's chain might be lost, another might be lost, until the whole of things will vanish by piecemeal.

The benefit of even limited monopolies is too doubtful, to be opposed to that of their general suppression.

But with respect to future debt; would it not be wise and just for that nation to declare in the constitution they are forming that neither the legislature, nor the nation itself can validly contract more debt, than they may pay within their own age, or within the term of 19 years.