Never esteem men on account of their riches or their station. Respect goodness, find it where you may.

I set out as a sort of self-dependent politician. My opinions were my own. I dashed at all prejudices. I scorned to follow anybodyin matter of opinion.... All were, therefore, offended at my presumption, as they deemed it.

Nothing is so well calculated to produce a death-like torpor in the country as an extended system of taxation and a great national debt.

To suppose such a thing possible as a society, in which men, who are able and willing to work, cannot support their families, and ought, with a great part of the women, to be compelled to lead a life of celibacy, for fear of having children to be starved; to suppose such a thing possible is monstrous.

Praise the child, and you make love to the mother.

The smallness of our desires may contribute reasonably to our wealth.

Dancing is at once rational & healthful: it gives animal spirits; it is the natural amusement of young people, & such it has been from the days of Moses.