The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

The Revolution is made by man, but man must forge his revolutionary spirit from day to day.

To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

The most hateful torment for men is to have knowledge of everything but power over nothing.

In politics, what begins in fear usually ends in folly.

All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.

My people and I have come to an agreement that satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.

It is impossible to tell which of the two dispositions we find in men is more harmful in a republic, that which seeks to maintain an established position or that which has none but seeks to acquire it.

If you must take care that your opinions do not differ in the least from those of the person with whom you are talking, you might just as well be alone.

It is a certain sign of a wise government and proceeding, when it can hold men’s hearts by hopes, when it cannot by satisfaction.

He may be a patriot for Austria, but the question is whether he is a patriot for me.

No free man shall be taken or imprisoned or dispossessed or outlawed or exiled, or in any way destroyed, nor will we go upon him, nor will we send against him except by the lawful judgment of his peers or by the law of the land.

The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure it is right.