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

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

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

No human life, not even the life of a hermit, is possible without a world which directly or indirectly testifies to the presence of other human beings.

The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all.

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

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

Sic semper tyrannis! The South is avenged.

Politics is the art of the possible.

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

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

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