I cannot live without books.

we must reduce our volume to the simple evangelists, select, even from them, the very words only of Jesus ... there will be found remaining the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which has ever been offered to man. I have performed this operation for my own use, by cutting verse by verse...

before the revolution they were in the habit of coming often, & in great numbers to the seat of our government, where I was very much with them. I knew much the great Outassetè, the warrior and orator of the Cherokees. he was always the guest of my father, on his journies to & from...

I have given up newspapers in exchange for Tacitus & Thucydides, for Newton & Euclid; & I find myself much the happier.

tho wrong in politicks, tho formerly an advocate for Tom pains Rights of Man, and tho frequently mistaken in Men & measures, I do not think him an insincere or a corruptable Man. my Friendship for him has ever been unshaken.

this I hope will be the age of experiments in government, and that their basis will be founded on principles of honesty, not mere force.

the more ignorant we become the less value we set on science, & the less inclination we shall have to seek it.

it is really an assembly of demi-gods.

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