Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. read more

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.

Good government is no substitute for self-government.

Good government is no substitute for self-government.

Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under.

Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under.

So that every wand or staff of empire is forsooth curved at top.
[Lat., Adeo ut omnes imperii virga read more

So that every wand or staff of empire is forsooth curved at top.
[Lat., Adeo ut omnes imperii virga sive bacillum vere superius
inflexum sit.]

I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am read more

I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise.

No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will.

No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will.

That government is best which governs least, because its people discipline themselves.

That government is best which governs least, because its people discipline themselves.

The true art of government consists in not governing too much.

The true art of government consists in not governing too much.