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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Natural rights is simple nonsense: natural and imprescriptible rights, rhetorical nonsense—nonsense upon stilts.

The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.

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

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

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

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

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