The system is the best that the present views and circumstances of the country will permit.

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.

Though sin abound, God's grace is greater to save.

I like to think that I am telling a story rather than writing it.

No one would choose a friendless existence on condition of having all the other things in the world.

You have to keep adapting to the times. If you kind of go with it, it can kind of fun.

I believe that any single dream contains the essential message about our existence.

I have days of self-doubt, but I think the kindest thing I can do to myself is accept where my body is at.

Talk not to me of blasphemy, man; I'd strike the sun if it insulted me.

I'm so insane, I voted for Eisenhower. Oh yeah, well I'm so insane, I voted for Eisenhower TWICE!

Whether it be in a small movie or a big movie, I would always be attracted to this role.

I understand things that are American, for better or worse.