The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.

The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.

Political history is largely an account of mass violence and of the expenditure of vast resources to cope with mythical read more

Political history is largely an account of mass violence and of the expenditure of vast resources to cope with mythical fears and hopes

Anyone who clings to the historically untrue -- and -- thoroughly immoral doctrine that violence never solves anything I would read more

Anyone who clings to the historically untrue -- and -- thoroughly immoral doctrine that violence never solves anything I would advise to conjure up the ghosts of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington and let them debate it. The ghost of Hitler would referee. Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor; and the contrary opinion is wishful thinking at its worst. Breeds that forget this basic truth have always paid for it with their lives and their freedoms.

When people say there is too much violence in [my books], what they are saying is there is too much read more

When people say there is too much violence in [my books], what they are saying is there is too much reality in life.

Liberty, as it is conceived by current opinion, has nothing inherent about it; it is a sort of gift or read more

Liberty, as it is conceived by current opinion, has nothing inherent about it; it is a sort of gift or trust bestowed on the individual by the state pending good behavior.

We have a lot of people revolutionizing the world because they've never had to present a working model.

We have a lot of people revolutionizing the world because they've never had to present a working model.

Revolutions have never lightened the burden of tyranny: they have
only shifted it to another shoulder.

Revolutions have never lightened the burden of tyranny: they have
only shifted it to another shoulder.

Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.

Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.