I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.

Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.

I am increasingly persuaded that the earth belongs exclusively to the living and that one generation has no more right to bind another to it's laws and judgments than one independent nation has the right to command another.

The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.

Monuments of the safety with which errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.

Answers are the crutches of fools. 26/2/12 Thomas Mc Donald