George Washington (1732-1799)

As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.

Books from Alibris: George Washington

Alejandro (aka Alexandro and Alessandro) Malaspina (1754-1810)

I would like our mother and you together to send a memo to the King via the Minister of State. Write at length about the family situation, the age of our mother, my past services, the honours I have received because of them, and my proven zeal for the service of His Majesty. Tell him that he must have no doubts as to my most exacting and blind obedience to whatever conditions His Majesty might place on my liberty. Mention the services of our uncle, the Duke of Fogliani, etc., and, if it does not inconvenience you, send a copy to the Prince of Parma. Do this without compromising yourselves with hostile expressions toward my oppressor. Instead, invoke his protection by asking for his mediation, as well as that of Her Majesty the Queen. Let us leave aside, for the moment, my philosophical ideas or any depiction of what I have been suffering. - letter from prison to Azzo Giacinto on May 14, 1796

Books from Alibris: Alejandro Malaspina

James Madison (1751-1836)

And I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in showing that religion and Government will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.

Books from Alibris: James Madison

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

Books constitute capital. A library book lasts as long as a house, for hundreds of years. It is not, then, an article of mere consumption but fairly of capital, and often in the case of professional men, setting out in life, it is their only capital.

Books from Alibris: Thomas Jefferson

John Jay (1745-1829)

Those who own the country ought to govern it.

Books from Alibris: John Jay

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)

Music of all the arts has the most influence on the passions and the legislator should give it the greatest encouragement.

Books from Alibris: Napoleon Bonaparte