I have thought it my duty to exhibit things as they are, not as they ought to be.

People sometimes attribute my success to my genius; all the genius I know anything about is hard work.

Give all the power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all the power to the few, they will oppress the many.

When a government betrays the people by amassing too much power and becoming tyrannical, the people have no choice but to exercise their original right of self-defense — to fight the government.

One great error is that we suppose mankind more honest than they are.

I think the first duty of society is justice.

There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.

Men often oppose a thing merely because they have had no agency in planning it, or because it may have been planned by those whom they dislike.

A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one.

Foreign influence is truly the Grecian horse to a republic. We cannot be too careful to exclude its influence.

It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.

There is always space for improvement, no matter how long you've been in the business.

No substantial famine has ever occurred in a democratic country - no matter how poor.

You must never delude yourself into thinking that you're investing when you're speculating.

I am interested only in "nonsense"; only in that which makes no practical sense. I am interested in life only in its absurd manifestations.

What do sad complaints avail if the offense is not cut down by punishment.

Diseases are the tax on pleasures.

I don't think I have the right to give someone advice when I don't know them.

I think Abraham Lincoln said believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see.

As long as there's anybody that's poor or middle class, there will not be satisfaction that there are rich people. Not 'til we get rid of all the rich can we say we have finished the job.

I was actually abandoned by wolves and then raised by Republicans.