“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.”

The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.

Decision making, like coffee, needs a cooling process.

Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgement to others with modesty.

I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.

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.

The internet is full of many false and unverified quotes.

The internet is full of many false and unverified quotes.

If we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity.

I cannot imagine a God who rewards and punishes the objects of his creation, whose purposes are modeled after our own.

99% of failures come from people who make excuses.

I had hoped that liberal and enlightened thought would have reconciled the Christians so that their religious fights would not endanger the peace of Society.

There is nothing which can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those be well-tried before you give them your confidence.

Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections.

Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.

Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.

America’s not the world’s policeman. Terrible things happen across the globe and it is beyond our means to right every wrong. But when, with modest effort and risk, we can stop children from being gassed to death and thereby make our own children safer over the long run, I believe we should act.

When we put someone in our jail cell of hatred, we are stuck guarding the door.

Good actions are a guard against the blows of adversity.

Repulsion is the sentry that guards the gate to all that we most desire.

The divine gift of life must be promoted, guarded, and protected from conception to its natural end.

Every day, stand guard at the door of your mind.

Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more.

Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more.