The principle of majority rule is the mildest form in which the force of numbers can be exercised. It is a pacific substitute for civil war in which the opposing armies are counted and the victory is awarded to the larger before any blood is shed. Except in the sacred tests of democracy and in the incantations of the orators, we hardly take the trouble to pretend that the rule of the majority is not at bottom a rule of force.

Once you touch the biographies of human beings, the notion that political beliefs are logically determined collapses like a pricked balloon.

The writers who have nothing to say, are the ones you can buy, the others have too high a price.

The first principle of a civilized state is that power is legitimate only when it is under contract.

He has honor if he holds himself to an ideal of conduct though it is inconvenient, unprofitable, or dangerous to do so.

Even God has been defended with nonsense.

The genius of a good leader is to leave behind him a situation which common sense, without the grace of genius, can deal with successfully.