An appeal to the reason of the people has never been known to fail in the long run.

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

Envy is the basis of democracy.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.

The best of all rulers is but a shadowy presence to his subjects.

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

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

It is a certain sign of a wise government and proceeding, when it can hold men’s hearts by hopes, when it cannot by satisfaction.

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.

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

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

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