All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.

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

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.

Envy is the basis of democracy.

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

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

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

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

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

He may be a patriot for Austria, but the question is whether he is a patriot for me.

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

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

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