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

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

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

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

O citizens, first acquire wealth; you can practice virtue afterward.

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.

Every country has the government it deserves.

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

There is nothing more tyrannical than a strong popular feeling among a democratic people.

The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

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

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.