“It may be taken for granted that, rash as the Americans are, when they are prudent there is good reason for it.”

“Social conservatism and neoconservatism have revived authoritarian conservatism, and not for the better of conservatism or American democracy. True conservatism is cautious and prudent. Authoritarianism is rash and radical. American democracy has benefited from true conservatism, but authoritarianism offers potentially serious trouble for any democracy.”

“The point is not that I don't recognise bad people when I see them — I grant you I may quite well be taken in by them — the point is that I know a good person when I see one.”

“Grant me prudently to avoid him that flatters me, and to endure patiently him that contradicts me.”

“The humanity of all Americans is diminished when any group is denied rights granted to others.”

“It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you.”