A government does not desire its powers to be strictly defined, but the subjects require the line to be drawn with increasing precision.

Government by idea tends to take in everything, to make the whole of society obedient to the idea. Spaces not so governed are unconquered, beyond the border, unconverted, a future danger.

The one pervading evil of democracy is the tyranny of the majority.

There should be a law to the People besides its own will.

There is not a soul who does not have to beg alms of another, either a smile, a handshake, or a fond eye.

The fate of every democracy, of every government based on the sovereignty of the people, depends on the choices it makes between these opposite principles, absolute power on the one hand, and on the other the restraints of legality and the authority of tradition.

The test of liberty is the position and security of minorities.