"It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution."

"God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of…"

"I never did, nor do I believe I ever will, give a dollar for a newspaper. I have thought that the information it contains is not worth the expense."

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretence of taking care of them."

"The only security against error is the freedom of inquiry."