Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.

We do not say that a man who takes no interest in public affairs is a man who minds his own business. We say he has no business being here at all.

Instead of looking on discussion as a stumbling block in the way of action, we think it an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all.

As for poverty, no one need be ashamed to admit it, the real shame is in not taking practical measures to escape from it.

I am of opinion that national greatness is more for the advantage of private citizens, than any individual well-being coupled with public humiliation. A man may be personally ever so well off, and yet if his country be ruined he must be ruined with it; whereas a flourishing commonwealth always affords chances of salvation to unfortunate individuals.

In private matters everyone is equal before the law. In public matters, when it is a question of putting power and responsibility into the hands of one man rather than another, what counts is not rank or money, but the ability to do the job well.

Just because you are not interested in politics, does not mean that politics is not interested in you.