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

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

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.

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

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

Written laws are like spiderwebs: they will catch, it is true, the weak and poor but would be torn in pieces by the rich and powerful.

Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing was ever made.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

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

Whether for good or evil, it is sadly inevitable that all political leadership requires the artifices of theatrical illusion. In the politics of a democracy, the shortest distance between two points is often a crooked line.

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

Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses: they last while they last.

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