The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

Commerce diminishes the spirit, both of patriotism and military defence.

No man is prejudiced in favor of a thing, knowing it to be wrong. He is attached to it on the belief of its being right; and when he sees it is not so, the prejudice will be gone.

Kill the king but spare the man.

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.

Wisdom is not the purchase of a day

The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance.