People of great ability do not emerge, as a rule, from the happiest background. So far as my own observation goes, I would conclude that ability, although hereditary, is improved by an early measure of adversity and improved again by a later measure of success.

Administrators make work for each other so that they can multiply the number of their subordinates and enhance their prestige.

Deliberative bodies become decreasingly effective after they pass five to eight members.

Make the people sovereign and the poor will use the machinery of government to dispossess the rich.

The man who is denied the opportunity of taking decisions of importance begins to regard as important the decisions he is allowed to take.

It is now well known, however, that men enter local politics solely as a result of being unhappily married.

Perfection of planned layout is achieved only by institutions on the point of collapse.