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

The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

It is a certain sign of a wise government and proceeding, when it can hold men’s hearts by hopes, when it cannot by satisfaction.

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Television has made dictatorship impossible, but democracy unbearable.

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

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.

On the loftiest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own rump.

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

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

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

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