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

Television has made dictatorship impossible, but democracy unbearable.

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.

If you must take care that your opinions do not differ in the least from those of the person with whom you are talking, you might just as well be alone.

He may be a patriot for Austria, but the question is whether he is a patriot for me.

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

To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

You should never have your best trousers on when you go out to fight for freedom and truth.

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

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

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.

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