No human life, not even the life of a hermit, is possible without a world which directly or indirectly testifies to the presence of other human beings.

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

Every communist must grasp the truth: “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

The affairs of the world are no more than so much trickery, and a man who toils for money or honor or whatever else in deference to the wishes of others, rather than because his own desire or needs lead him to do so, will always be a fool.

I am no courtesan, nor moderator, nor tribune, nor defender of the people: I am myself the people.

I’m president of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!

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.

O citizens, first acquire wealth; you can practice virtue afterward.

The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull.

Sic semper tyrannis! The South is avenged.

Why has the government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint.

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.

I work for a government I despise for ends I think criminal.