The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it's so rare.

The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it's so rare.

The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, read more

The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him
will I give power over the read more

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him
will I give power over the nations:
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a
potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my
Father.

The true art of government consists in not governing too much.

The true art of government consists in not governing too much.

Our political institutions work remarkably well. They are designed to clang against each other. The noise is democracy at work.

Our political institutions work remarkably well. They are designed to clang against each other. The noise is democracy at work.

The declaration that our People are hostile to a government made
by themselves, for themselves, and conducted by themselves, read more

The declaration that our People are hostile to a government made
by themselves, for themselves, and conducted by themselves, is an
insult.

Good government is no substitute for self-government.

Good government is no substitute for self-government.

In a state-run society the government promises you security. But it's a false promise predicated on the idea that the read more

In a state-run society the government promises you security. But it's a false promise predicated on the idea that the opposite of security is risk. Nothing could be further from the truth. The opposite of security is insecurity, and the only way to overcome insecurity is to take risks. The gentle government that promises to hold your hand as you cross the street refuses to let go on the other side.

Government is a kind of legalized pillage.

Government is a kind of legalized pillage.