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.

The U.S. presidency is a Tudor monarchy plus telephones.

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure it is right.

Out of the crooked timber of humanity no straight thing was ever made.

The most hateful torment for men is to have knowledge of everything but power over nothing.

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

The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.

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.

Whether for good or evil, it is sadly inevitable that all political leadership requires the artifices of theatrical illusion. In the politics of a democracy, the shortest distance between two points is often a crooked line.

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.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

Television has made dictatorship impossible, but democracy unbearable.