"He who has not first laid his foundations may be able with great ability to lay them afterwards, but they will be laid with trouble to the architect and danger to the building."

"Is necessary to take such measures that, when they believe no longer, it may be possible to make them believe by force."

"He who blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher, must thereafter fall with the greatest loss."

"...it is a base thing to look to others for your defense instead of depending upon yourself. That defense alone is effectual, sure, and durable which depends upon yourself and your own valor."

"War cannot be avoided; it can only be postponed to the other's advantage."

"One must be a fox in order to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten off wolves."

"The best political community is formed by citizens of the middle class."

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

"Isn't everyone a part of everyone else?"

"First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms."

"The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession."

"But the life that no longer trust another human being and no longer forms ties to the political community is not a human life any longer."