The shortest and surest way of arriving at real knowledge is to unlearn the lessons we have been taught, to mount the first principles, and take nobody's word about them.

Nations, like men, have their infancy.

Patriotism must be founded on great principals and supported by great virtue.

Pride defeats its own end, by bringing the man who seeks esteem and reverence into contempt.

The greatest art of a politician is to render vice serviceable to the cause of virtue.