"True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation."

"Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty."

"The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good."

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."

"The roots of genuine insight grow deep in the soil of quiet observation. Such is the immutable nature of understanding."

"It is a unyielding truth that a steadfast commander remains calm when the storm rages fiercest — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"The silent observer understands that authenticity is the rarest and most beautiful asset."

"The present moment is the only sanctuary where peace truly resides. For where clarity resides, peace inevitably follows — an essential principle for the reflective life."