All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree.

The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.

What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.

Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions.

Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.

All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree.

Wherever there is interest and power to do wrong, wrong will generally be done.

The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.