In disquisitions of every kind there are certain primary truths, or first principles, upon which all subsequent reasoning must depend.

People sometimes attribute my success to my genius; all the genius I know anything about is hard work.

Give all the power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all the power to the few, they will oppress the many.

When a government betrays the people by amassing too much power and becoming tyrannical, the people have no choice but to exercise their original right of self-defense — to fight the government.

One great error is that we suppose mankind more honest than they are.

I think the first duty of society is justice.

There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.

Men often oppose a thing merely because they have had no agency in planning it, or because it may have been planned by those whom they dislike.

A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one.

Foreign influence is truly the Grecian horse to a republic. We cannot be too careful to exclude its influence.

It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.

Worship is basically adoration, and we adore only what delights us. There is no such thing as sad adoration or unhappy praise.

When we write with power and authenticity, it opens the door to our hearts and invites others in. When we're brave, we make others brave. Brave is good.

Having a sense of humor has served me more than it has hurt me - just in the sense that it has allowed me to keep my sanity.

I know how easy it is to be swept away by stories, by things you wish were real.

It is ignorance that smothers, and it is carelessness that makes it invisible. The hunger of craving pollutes the world, and the pain of suffering causes the greatest fear.

Discipline yourself, and others won't need to.

Led Zeppelin was pretty much what made me pick up drum sticks.

Today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness.

You get to keep making art as long as you are willing to make the choices that let you make your art.

When we know something and rest in that knowing we limit our vision. We will only see what our knowing will allow us to see. In this way experience can be our enemy.