“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”

Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor morum over each other.

He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.

Those who expect to be both ignorant and free, expect what never was and never will be.

Never spend your money before you have it.

The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease

Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it.

I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves ; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion.

An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes.

Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it.

Take things always by their smooth handle.

I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.

Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor.

Never trouble another with what you can do yourself.

History, in general, only informs us what bad government is.

Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and opressions of the body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.

If you want something you’ve never had, You must be willing to do something you’ve never done.