“A small knowledge of human nature will convince us, that, with far the greatest part of mankind, interest is the governing principle; and that almost every man is more or less, under its influence.”

Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.

The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.

The turning points of lives are not the great moments. The real crises are often concealed in occurrences so trivial in appearance that they pass unobserved.

Experience has taught us, that men will not adopt and carry into execution measures best calculated for their own good, without the intervention of a coercive power.

Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world.

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool.

If the cause is advanced, indifferent is it to me where or in what quarter it happens.

There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy.

Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government.

I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from my mom.

I’ll die on my feet before I’ll live on my knees!

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.