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

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.

I am no courtesan, nor moderator, nor tribune, nor defender of the people: I am myself the people.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

You have all the characteristics of a popular politician: a horrible voice, bad breeding, and a vulgar manner.