Historical voices

The mutual dependence and reciprocal interest which man has upon man, and all the parts of civilised community upon each other, create that great chain of connection which holds it together.

It existed prior to government, and would exist if the formality of government was abolished.

It has its origin in the principles of society and the natural constitution of man.

Great part of that order which reigns among mankind is not the effect of government.

It robs industry of its honours, by pedantically making itself the cause of its effects; and purloins from the general character of man, the merits that appertain to him as a social being.

Though it avoids taking to its account the errors it commits, and the mischiefs it occasions, it fails not to arrogate to itself whatever has the appearance of prosperity.

The danger to which the success of revolutions is most exposed is that of attempting them before the principles on which they proceed, and the advantages to result from them, are sufficiently seen and understood.

It interests not particular individuals, but nations in its progress, and promises a new era to the human race.

Government founded on a moral theory, on a system of universal peace, on the indefeasible hereditary Rights of Man, is now revolving from west to east by a stronger impulse than the government of the sword revolved from east to west.

This certainly is not the condition that heaven intended for man; and if this be monarchy, well might monarchy be reckoned among the sins of the Jews.

What is the history of all monarchical governments but a disgustful picture of human wretchedness, and the accidental respite of a few years' repose?

While such governments continue, peace has not the absolute security of a day.

War is their trade, plunder and revenue their objects.

If universal peace, civilisation, and commerce are ever to be the happy lot of man, it cannot be accomplished but by a revolution in the system of governments.

Reason, like time, will make its own way, and prejudice will fall in a combat with interest.

If systems of government can be introduced less expensive and more productive of general happiness than those which have existed, all attempts to oppose their progress will in the end be fruitless.

It watches prosperity as its prey, and permits none to escape without a tribute.

Invention is continually exercised to furnish new pretences for revenue and taxation.

If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the…

He sees his species, not with the inhuman idea of a natural enemy, but as kindred; and the example shows to the artificial world, that man must go back to Nature for information.

As America was the only spot in the political world where the principle of universal reformation could begin, so also was it the best in the natural world.

She made a stand, not for herself only, but for the world, and looked beyond the advantages herself could receive.

The independence of America, considered merely as a separation from England, would have been a matter but of little importance, had it not been accompanied by a revolution in the principles and practice of governments.

The sun needs no inscription to distinguish him from darkness; and no sooner did the American governments display themselves to the world, than despotism felt a shock and man began to contemplate redress.