Learning is the ally, not the adversary of genius... he who reads in a proper spirit, can scarcely read too much.

The cause of justice is the cause of humanity. Its advocates should overflow with universal good will. We should love this cause, for it conduces to the general happiness of mankind.

Revolutions are the produce of passion, not of sober and tranquil reason.

Whenever government assumes to deliver us from the trouble of thinking for ourselves, the only consequences it produces are those of torpor and imbecility.

There can be no passion, and by consequence no love, where there is not imagination.

Revolution is engendered by an indignation with tyranny, yet is itself pregnant with tyranny.

No man must encroach upon my province, nor I upon his. He may advise me, moderately and without pertinaciousness, but he must not expect to dictate to me. He may censure me freely and without reserve; but he should remember that I am to act by my deliberation and not his. I ought to exercise my talents for the benefit of others; but that exercise must be the fruit of my own conviction; no man must attempt to press me into the service.