Tag Archives: First Principles

First Principles: Education Uncoupled From Religion Harms Morality and Principles

“Without religion, I believe that learning does real mischief to the morals and principles of mankind.”  – Benjamin Rush (1783)    

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First Principles: The Ocean of Liberty Is Stormy and Always Has Waves

“The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave.” – Thomas Jefferson (1820)        

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First Principles: To Give Trade A Stable Course, Commercial Policy Should Hold An Equal and Impartial Hand

“Harmony, liberal intercourse with all Nations, are recommended by policy, humanity and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand: neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing … Continue reading →

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First Principles: The Greatest Good We Can Do Our Country Is Heal Division and Be One People

“The greatest good we can do our country is to heal its party divisions and make them one people.” – Thomas Jefferson (1801)    

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First Principles: We Are Either A United People Or We Are Not

“We are either a United people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a national character to support. If we are … Continue reading →

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First Principles: Be Honorable By Being Necessary For the Public Good

“I am not influenced by the expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward. I wish to be useful, and every kind of service necessary for the public good, become honorable by being necessary.” – Nathan Hale (1776)    

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First Principles: Public Opinion Is the Real Sovereign In Free Government

“Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one.” —James Madison (1791)    

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First Principles: The Aim of Every Constitution Should Be To Obtain Governance By the Wise and Virtuous

“The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society.” – James Madison (1788)     … Continue reading →

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First Principles: Public Liberty Is the Most Precious Jewel For Mankind

“Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of your most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty? Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessings … Continue reading →

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First Principles: The Duty of Judges Is to Interpret and Apply Law and Not To Create Law

“Every prudent and cautious judge … will remember, that his duty and his business is, not to make the law, but to interpret and apply it.” – James Wilson (1742-1798)      

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