Founders’ Quotes

Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government.

It is an unquestionable truth, that the body of the people in every country desire sincerely its prosperity. But it is equally unquestionable that they do not possess the discernment and stability necessary for systematic government. To deny that they are frequently led into the grossest of errors, by misinformation and passion, would be a flattery which their own good sense must despise.

Foreign influence is truly the Grecian horse to a republic. We cannot be too careful to exclude its influence.

When People are universally ignorant, and debauchd in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders.

We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.

If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.

In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate — look to his character.

The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust.

We have seen the mere distinction of color made in the most enlightened period of time, a ground of the most oppressive dominion ever exercised by man over man.

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man.

The greatest good we can do our country is to heal its party divisions and make them one people.

The Constitution ... is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary which they may twist and shape into any form they please.

Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution.

Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one.

Newspapers ... serve as chimnies to carry off noxious vapors and smoke.

Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of your most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty? Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings — give us that precious jewel, and you may take every things else! Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.

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