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.

I’m president of the United States, and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!

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

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.

Every country has the government it deserves.

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

Politics is the art of the possible.

Envy is the basis of democracy.

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

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

Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.

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

I work for a government I despise for ends I think criminal.