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.

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

There is nothing more tyrannical than a strong popular feeling among a democratic people.

I am invariably of the politics of the people at whose table I sit, or beneath whose roof I sleep.

Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses: they last while they last.

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.

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

Envy is the basis of democracy.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

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

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

The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all.

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