What is called a republic, is not any particular form of government ... it is naturally opposed to the word monarchy, which means arbitrary power.

That there are men in all countries who get their living by war, and by keeping up the quarrels of Nations is as shocking as it is true.

Titles are like a magicians wand which circumscribe human facility and prevent us from living the lives of man.

To believe that God created a plurality of worlds, at least as numerous as what we call stars, renders the Christian faith at once little and ridiculous; and scatters it in the mind like feathers in the air.

Change of ministers amounts to nothing. One goes out, another comes in, and still the same measures, vices, and extravagances are pursued. It signifies not who is minister. The defect lies in the system. The foundation and superstructure of the government is bad. Prop it as you please, it continually sinks and ever will.

It can only be by blinding the understanding of man, and making him believe that government is some wonderful mysterious thing, that excessive revenues are obtained. Monarchy is well calculated to ensure this end. It is the popery of government; a thing kept up to amuse the ignorant, and quiet them into taxes.

An army of principles will penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot.