I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give.

God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discon…

Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they ma…

I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.

From quiet homes and first beginning, Out to the undiscovered ends, There's nothing worth the wear of winning, But laughter and the love of friends.

All my moves were designed to promote the happiness and wellbeing of my family, rather than fame.

Recommend virtue to your children; it alone, not money, can make them happy. I speak from experience.