Founders’ Quotes

A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it, when acquired.

Man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without rudder, is the sport of every wind. With such persons, gullibility, which they call faith, takes the helm from the hand of reason and the mind becomes a wreck.

One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.

The steady character of our countrymen is a rock to which we may safely moor; and notwithstanding the efforts of the papers to disseminate early discontents, I expect that a just, dispassionate and steady conduct, will at length rally to a proper system the great body of our country.

I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.

Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.

To prevent crimes, is the noblest end and aim of criminal jurisprudence.

We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth — and listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts.

A morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.

Let justice be done though the heavens should fall.

[The press] is a precious pest, and a necessary mischief, and there would be no liberty without it.

It is the duty of parents to maintain their children decently, and according to their circumstances; to protect them according to the dictates of prudence; and to educate them according to the suggestions of a judicious and zealous regard for their usefulness, their respectability and happiness.

The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy.

The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.

The fiery and destructive passions of war reign in the human breast with much more powerful sway than the mild and beneficent sentiments of peace.

The circumstances that endanger the safety of nations are infinite, and for this reason no constitutional shackles can wisely be imposed on the power to which the care of it is committed.

I think all the world would gain by setting commerce at perfect liberty.