It will be proper to take a review of the several sources from which governments have arisen, and on which they have been founded.

Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good.

I disbelieve all holy men and holy books.

Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it.

Where there are no distinctions there can be no superiority; perfect equality affords no temptation.

Great part of that order which reigns among mankind is not the effect of government. It has its origin in the principles of society and the natural constitution of man. It existed prior to government, and would exist if the formality of government was abolished. The mutual dependence and reciprocal interest which man has upon man, and all the parts of civilised community upon each other, create that great chain of connection which holds it together.

The American constitutions were to liberty, what a grammar is to language: they define its parts of speech, and practically construct them into syntax