When the past no longer illuminates the future, the spirit walks in darkness.

No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country.

In America the majority raises formidable barriers around the liberty of opinion; within these barriers an author may write what he pleases, but woe to him if he goes beyond them.

What is most important for democracy is not that great fortunes should not exist, but that great fortunes should not remain in the same hands. In that way there are rich men, but...

We succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects.

I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and real freedom of discussion as in America.

In other words, a democratic government is the only one in which those who vote for a tax can escape the obligation to pay it.

Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.

The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.

I am dying from the treatment of too many physicians.

A tomb now suffices him for whom the whole world was not sufficient.

I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.

I had rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent, than in the extent of my power and dominion.

Heaven cannot brook two suns, nor earth two masters.

Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.

There is nothing impossible to him who will try.

I would rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent than in the extent of my powers and dominion.

How great are the dangers I face to win a good name in Athens.

I am dying with the help of too many physicians.

I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.