Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

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.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

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

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

A real leader is somebody who can help us overcome the limitations of our own individual laziness and selfishness and weakness and fear and get us to do better, harder things than we can get ourselves to do on our own.

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

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.

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

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

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

Television has made dictatorship impossible, but democracy unbearable.

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.