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.

A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.

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

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

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

The 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.

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

The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all.

What experience and history teach is this—that nations and governments have never learned anything from history or acted upon any lessons they might have drawn from it.

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.

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

I say violence is necessary. It is as American as cherry pie.

On the loftiest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own rump.