It is maintained that a society is free only when dissenting minorities have room to throw their weight around. As read more

It is maintained that a society is free only when dissenting minorities have room to throw their weight around. As a matter of fact, a dissenting minority feels free only when it can impose its will on the majority: what it abominates most is the dissent of the majority.

Absolute power corrupts even when exercised for humane purposes. The benevolent despot who sees himself as a shepherd of the read more

Absolute power corrupts even when exercised for humane purposes. The benevolent despot who sees himself as a shepherd of the people still demands from others the submissiveness of sheep.

I'm proud that I'm a politician. A politician is a man who understands government, and it takes a politician to read more

I'm proud that I'm a politician. A politician is a man who understands government, and it takes a politician to run a government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead 10 or 15 years.

The love of their country is with them only a mode of flattering its master; as soon as they think read more

The love of their country is with them only a mode of flattering its master; as soon as they think that master can no longer hear, they speak of everything with a frankness which is the more startling because those who listen to it become responsible.

All leaders strive to turn their followers into children.

All leaders strive to turn their followers into children.

The art of creation is older than the art of killing.

The art of creation is older than the art of killing.

...if we wish to preserve a free society, it is essential that we recognize that the desirability of a particular read more

...if we wish to preserve a free society, it is essential that we recognize that the desirability of a particular object is not sufficient justification for the use of coercion.

The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like read more

The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like box tops - is, I think, the ultimate indignity to the democratic process.

Love your enemies just in case your friends turn out to be a bunch of bastards.

Love your enemies just in case your friends turn out to be a bunch of bastards.