The essence of a free government consists in an effectual control of rivalries.
I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth.
There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty.
When people talk of the freedom of writing, speaking or thinking I cannot choose but laugh. No such thing ever existed. No such thing now exists; but I hope it will exist. But it must be hundreds of years after you and I shall write and speak no more.
Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.
Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.
Power always thinks... that it is doing God's service when it is violating all his laws.
Property is surely a right of mankind as real as liberty.
I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.
Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.
Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war.
