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.
—Anacharsis, c. 550 BCQuotes
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.
—George Bernard Shaw, 1944The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.
—John Nance Garner, c. 1967Let him who desires peace prepare for war.
—Vegetius, c. 385I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.
—Catherine the Great, c. 1796Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.
—Laozi, c. 500 BCThe best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects.
—LaoziThe U.S. presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones.
—Anthony Burgess, 1972My 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.
—Frederick the Great, c. 1770The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.
—Tacitus, c. 117Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses: they last while they last.
—Charles de Gaulle, 1963The first requirement of a statesman is that he be dull.
—Dean Acheson, 1970On the loftiest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own rump.
—Michel de Montaigne, 1580