The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects.

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.

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

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

On the loftiest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own rump.

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

There is no method by which men can be both free and equal.

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

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

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

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

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

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.