“It is the manners and spirit of a people which preserve a republic in vigor. A degeneracy in these is a canker which soon eats to the heart of its laws and constitution... If a nation expects to be ignorant—and free—in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be... The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail... An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens.”

-- Thomas Jefferson