Founders’ Quotes

[T]he right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of Man to alienate this gift, and voluntarily become a slave.

Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.

Are we disposed to be of the number of those, who having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?

Let justice be done though the heavens should fall.

The supposed quietude of a good man allures the ruffian; while on the other hand, arms like laws discourage and keep the invader and the plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property. ​The balance of power is the scale of peace​. The same balance would be preserved were all the world destitute of arms, for all would be alike; ​but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside​. And while a single nation refuses to lay them down, it is proper that all should keep them up. Horrid mischief would ensue were one half the world deprived of the use of them.

Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants.

In disquisitions of every kind there are certain primary truths, or first principles, upon which all subsequent reasoning must depend.

Laws that forbid the carrying of arms... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.

A universal peace, it is to be feared, is in the catalogue of events, which will never exist but in the imaginations of visionary philosophers, or in the breasts of benevolent enthusiasts.

The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. It may be a reflection on human nature that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government.

Illustrious examples are displayed to our view, that we may imitate as well as admire. Before we can be distinguished by the same honors, we must be distinguished by the same virtues.

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.

The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.

Here comes the orator! With his flood of words, and his drop of reason.

Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives.

[T]he government of the United States is a definite government, confined to specified objects. It is not like the state governments, whose powers are more general. Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government.

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

The best and only safe road to honor, glory, and true dignity is justice.