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

A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.

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

A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.

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

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

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

What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him your celebration is a sham.

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

You have all the characteristics of a popular politician: a horrible voice, bad breeding, and a vulgar manner.

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

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

Every country has the government it deserves.