O citizens, first acquire wealth; you can practice virtue afterward.

It is impossible to tell which of the two dispositions we find in men is more harmful in a republic, that which seeks to maintain an established position or that which has none but seeks to acquire it.

Every country has the government it deserves.

Envy is the basis of democracy.

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.

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.

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

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

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

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

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

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

In politics, what begins in fear usually ends in folly.