Founders’ Quotes

The Army (considering the irritable state it is in, its suffering and composition) is a dangerous instrument to play with.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government.

It is necessary for every American, with becoming energy to endeavor to stop the dissemination of principles evidently destructive of the cause for which they have bled.

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

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

No pecuniary consideration is more urgent, than the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt: on none can delay be more injurious, or an economy of time more valuable.

All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree.

There is no maxim in my opinion which is more liable to be misapplied, and which therefore needs elucidation than the current one that the interest of the majority is the political standard of right and wrong.

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

And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need its assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this Truth, that God governs in the Affairs of Men. And if a Sparrow cannot fall to the Ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid?

If it be asked what is to restrain the House of Representatives from making legal discriminations in favor of themselves and a particular class of the society? I answer, the genius of the whole system, the nature of just and constitutional laws, and above all the vigilant and manly spirit which actuates the people of America, a spirit which nourishes freedom, and in return is nourished by it.

The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted ... if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.

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

In all very numerous assemblies, of whatever character composed, passion never fails to wrest the sceptre from reason.

Stability in government is essential to national character and to the advantages annexed to it, as well as to that repose and confidence in the minds of the people, which are among the chief blessings of civil society.

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.

The great desiderata are a free representation and mutual checks. When these are obtained, all our apprehensions of the extent of powers are unjust and imaginary.