The hand entrusted with power becomes, either from human depravity or esprit de corps, the necessary enemy of the people

If there is anything in the universe that can't stand discussion, let it crack.

No class is safe unless government is so arranged that each class has in its hands the means of protecting itself. That is the idea of republics.

Government began in tyranny and force, began in the feudalism of the soldier and bigotry of the priest; and the ideas of justice and humanity have been fighting their way, like a thunderstorm, against the organized selfishness of human nature.

Organize, and stand together. Claim something together, and at once; let the nation hear a united demand from the laboring voice, and then, when you have got that, go on after another; but get something.

Republics exist only on tenure of being agitated.

There is nothing stronger than human prejudice. A crazy sentimentalism, like that of Peter the Hermit, hurled half of Europe upon Asia, and changed the destinies of kingdoms.