If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

In every country where man is free to think and to speak, difference of opinion will arise from difference of perception, and the imperfection of reason; but these differences, when permitted, as in this happy country, to purify themselves by free discussion, are but as passing clouds overspreading our land transiently, and leaving our horizon

I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage, with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post which any human power can give.

I know of no safe repository for the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to increase their discretion by education.

The ordinary affairs of a nation offer little difficulty to a person of any experience.

The hole and the patch should be commensurate.

I place economy among the first and most important virtues, and public debt as the greatest of dangers to be feared. To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our choice between economy and liberty or profusion and servitude. If we run into such debts,

Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.

We sometimes from dreams pick up some hint worth improving by reflection.

Doubts and jealousies often beget the facts they fear.