It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.
Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.
Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.
Whether we and our politicians know it or not, Nature is party to all our deals and decisions, and she has more votes, a longer memory, and a sterner sense of justice than we do.
Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people, it is true that most stupid people are conservative.
Political tyranny is nothing compared to the social tyranny and a reformer who defies society is a more courageous man than a politician who defies Government.
No one ever teaches well who wants to teach, or governs well who wants to govern.
We are in bondage to the law in order that we may be free.
Every unpunished murder takes away something from the security of every man's life.
Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide.
Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
When I am abroad, I always make it a rule never to criticize or attack the government of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come home.
Let them call me a rebel and welcome. I feel no concern from it. But should I suffer the misery of devils, were I to make a whore of my soul.
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.
Speaking generally, punishment hardens and numbs, it produces concentration, it sharpens the consciousness of alienation, it strengthens the power of resistance.
Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.
Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.
Law describes the way things would work if men were angels.
Sometimes opportunities float right past your nose. Work hard, apply yourself, and be ready. When an opportunity comes you can grab it.
He who commits injustice is ever made more wretched than he who suffers it
