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.

I am invariably of the politics of the people at whose table I sit, or beneath whose roof I sleep.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

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

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

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.

Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.

I work for a government I despise for ends I think criminal.

The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure it is right.

Why has the government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint.

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

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