Internal improvement and the diffusion of knowledge, so far as they can be promoted by the constitutional acts of the Federal Government, are of high importance.

It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes.

After eight years as President I have only two regrets: that I have not shot Henry Clay or hanged John C. Calhoun.

Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.

John Calhoun, if you secede from my nation I will secede your head from the rest of your body.

I was born for a storm and a calm does not suit me.

There are no necessary evils in government. Its evils exist only in its abuses.

Peace, above all things, is to be desired, but blood must sometimes be spilled to obtain it on equable and lasting terms.

When you get in debt you become a slave.

But you must remember, my fellow-citizens, that eternal vigilance by the people is the price of liberty, and that you must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing.

All the rights secured to the citizens under the Constitution are worth nothing, and a mere bubble, except guaranteed to them by an independent and virtuous Judiciary.

When I grow up next year my life will be easy." Vanity

I have never considered myself an economist.

Our lives of service and sacrifice are the most appropriate expressions of our commitment to serve the Master and our fellowmen.

I've always mixed my music by myself. Of course, there will always be some complications here and there, but it's never a problem.

The only people who ever called me a rebel were people who wanted me to do what they wanted.

Every place is determined by the characters who are there.

I stare out the window and wait for spring.

The definition of a revolution: it destroys the perfect and enables the impossible.

I like to smile, even in intense situations. My opponents don't know how to react when they see me smile.