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

The Revolution is made by man, but man must forge his revolutionary spirit from day to day.

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

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

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

There is no method by which men can be both free and equal.

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

He may be a patriot for Austria, but the question is whether he is a patriot for me.

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

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.

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

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

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.