I consider him [Alexander von Humboldt] the most important scientist whom I have met.

I find that the harder I work , the more luck I seem to have.

All authority belongs to the people.

. . . The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

Wisdom I know is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival.