The second office in the government is honorable and easy the first is but a splendid misery.

The Creator has not thought proper to mark those in the forehead who are of stuff to make good generals. We are first, therefore, to seek them blindfold, and then let them learn the trade at the expense of great losses.

Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is neither wealth nor splendor but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness.

If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.

The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.

Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind.

Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.

Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning.