There is nothing more tyrannical than a strong popular feeling among a democratic people.
—Anthony Trollope, 1862Quotes
All the ills of democracy can be cured by more democracy.
—Al Smith, 1933There is no method by which men can be both free and equal.
—Walter Bagehot, 1863The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all.
—G.K. Chesterton, 1908To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.
—Quintus Fabius Maximus, c. 203 BCA riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.
—Martin Luther King Jr., c. 1967I say violence is necessary. It is as American as cherry pie.
—H. Rap Brown, 1967The U.S. presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones.
—Anthony Burgess, 1972The Revolution is made by man, but man must forge his revolutionary spirit from day to day.
—Che Guevara, 1968You have all the characteristics of a popular politician: a horrible voice, bad breeding, and a vulgar manner.
—Aristophanes, c. 424 BCThe affairs of the world are no more than so much trickery, and a man who toils for money or honor or whatever else in deference to the wishes of others, rather than because his own desire or needs lead him to do so, will always be a fool.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1774Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses: they last while they last.
—Charles de Gaulle, 1963You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.
—Mario Cuomo, 1985