Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.

Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That read more

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

Away with the cant of "Measures not men!"--the idle supposition
that it is the harness and not the horses read more

Away with the cant of "Measures not men!"--the idle supposition
that it is the harness and not the horses that draw the chariot
along. No Sir, if the comparison must be made, if the
distinction must be taken, men are everything, measures
comparatively nothing.

If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie read more

If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.

Politics is a pendulum whose swings between anarchy and tyranny are fueled by perpetually rejuvenated illusions.

Politics is a pendulum whose swings between anarchy and tyranny are fueled by perpetually rejuvenated illusions.

It is a condition which confronts us--not a theory.

It is a condition which confronts us--not a theory.

One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.

Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but read more

Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times.

Protection and patriotism are reciprocal.

Protection and patriotism are reciprocal.