Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.

Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.

A tiny and closed fraternity of privileged men, elected by no one, and enjoying a monopoly sanctioned and licensed by government.

Democracy is the process by which people choose the man who'll get the blame.

In a war of ideas, it is people who get killed.

Patriots always talk of dying for their country but never of killing for their country.

The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.

That is why we fight - in hopes of a day when we no longer need to.

Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.

The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.

Politics is more dangerous than war, for in war you are only killed once.

Diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you can find a rock.

A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.

Liberty does not exist in the absence of morality.

I ask you to judge me by the enemies I have made.

If you ever injected truth into politics you would have no politics.

A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.

The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.

Necessity is blind until it becomes conscious. Freedom is the consciousness of necessity.

Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book.

Give to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself - that is my doctrine.