Folks, it's time to evolve. That's why we're troubled. You know why our institutions are failing us, the church, the state, everything's failing? It's because, um – they're no longer relevant. We're supposed to keep evolving. Evolution did not end with us growing opposable thumbs. You do know that, right?
The whole history of civilization is strewn with creeds and institutions which were invaluable at first, and deadly afterwards.
We despair of changing the habits of men, still we would alter institutions, the habits of millions of men.
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs.
Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the general progress of the human mind.
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.