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.

Every country has the government it deserves.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

I am invariably of the politics of the people at whose table I sit, or beneath whose roof I sleep.