I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions...but I know also that laws and constitutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind...

I cannot live without books.

Take things always by their smooth handle.

Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions.

I sincerely believe... that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.

Experience declares that man is the only animal which devours his own kind; for I can apply no milder term to the governments of Europe, and to the general prey of the rich on the poor.

Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends [life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness] it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government...

The probable accumulation of the surpluses of revenue beyond what can be applied to the payment of the public debt... merits the consideration of Congress. Shall it lie unproductive in the public vaults?...Or shall it rather be appropriated to the improvements of roads, canals, rivers, education, and other great foundations of prosperity and union.

The world is indebted for all triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression.

Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error.