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

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.

Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses: they last while they last.

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

To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

Every communist must grasp the truth: “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

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

You should never have your best trousers on when you go out to fight for freedom and truth.

I am invariably of the politics of the people at whose table I sit, or beneath whose roof I sleep.

Natural rights is simple nonsense: natural and imprescriptible rights, rhetorical nonsense—nonsense upon stilts.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

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