What experience and history teach is this—that nations and governments have never learned anything from history or acted upon any lessons they might have drawn from it.

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

Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing was ever made.

The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.

I say violence is necessary. It is as American as cherry pie.

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

Politics is the art of preventing people from taking part in affairs which properly concern them.

Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.

The U.S. presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones.

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.

An appeal to the reason of the people has never been known to fail in the long run.

You should never have your best trousers on when you go out to fight for freedom and truth.