If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve. - On the request that he accept the read more

If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve. - On the request that he accept the Republican presidential nomination.

Politics, as a practice, whatever its professions, has always been the
systematic organization of hatreds.

Politics, as a practice, whatever its professions, has always been the
systematic organization of hatreds.

He who knows how to flatter also knows how to slander.

He who knows how to flatter also knows how to slander.

The kind of man who wants the government to adopt and enforce his ideas is always the kind of man read more

The kind of man who wants the government to adopt and enforce his ideas is always the kind of man whose ideas are idiotic.

Delegating means letting others become the experts and hence the best.

Delegating means letting others become the experts and hence the best.

Sir, I would rather be right than be President.

Sir, I would rather be right than be President.

I wonder how many of the people who profess to believe in the leveling ideas of collectivism and egalitarianism really read more

I wonder how many of the people who profess to believe in the leveling ideas of collectivism and egalitarianism really just believe that they themselves are good for nothing. I mean, how many leftists are animated by a quite reasonable self-loathing? In their hearts they know that they are not going to become scholars or inventors or industrialists or even ordinary good kind people. So they need a way to achieve that smugness for which the left is so justifiably famous. They need a way to achieve self-esteem without merit. Well, there is politics. In an egalitarian world everything will be controlled by politics, and politics requires no merit.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.

Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.

Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.