"Among the popular and representative systems of government I do not approve of the federal system: it is too perfect; and it requires virtues and political talents much superior to our own."

"Legislators! Do not forget that the people are not an amorphous mass, but a collection of individuals with rights and duties."

"If a man does not choose to be a master of his own destiny, he is a slave."

"God grant that a single tyrant may not bring an entire republic to ruin."

"The people of Venezuela must be free, or they will perish."