My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on

My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on

If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor read more

If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor of today's statecraft.) Instead, read selected portions of the Washington telephone directory containing listings for all the organizations with titles beginning with the word National.

Yet if thou didst but know how little wit governs this mighty
universe.

Yet if thou didst but know how little wit governs this mighty
universe.

The worst thing in this world, next to anarchy, is government.

The worst thing in this world, next to anarchy, is government.

My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on.

My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on.

A good history covers not only what was done, but the thought that went into the action. You can read read more

A good history covers not only what was done, but the thought that went into the action. You can read the history of a country through its actions.

So long as governments set the example of killing their enemies, private individuals will occasionally kill theirs.

So long as governments set the example of killing their enemies, private individuals will occasionally kill theirs.

Far more important to me is, that I should be loyal to what I regard as the law of my read more

Far more important to me is, that I should be loyal to what I regard as the law of my political life, which is this: a belief that that country is best governed, which is least governed ...

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. read more

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.