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A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master.
A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master.
Good government is no substitute for self-government.
Good government is no substitute for self-government.
The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them read more
The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.
Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.
Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.
The true art of government consists in not governing too much.
The true art of government consists in not governing too much.
If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor read more
If you want to understand your government, don't begin by reading the Constitution. (It conveys precious little of the flavor of today's statecraft.) Instead, read selected portions of the Washington telephone directory containing listings for all the organizations with titles beginning with the word National.
Our government... teaches the whole people by its example. If the government becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; read more
Our government... teaches the whole people by its example. If the government becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy.
Only a government that is rich and safe can afford to be a democracy, for democracy is the most expensive read more
Only a government that is rich and safe can afford to be a democracy, for democracy is the most expensive and nefarious kind of government ever heard of on earth.
Nothing's more dull and negligent
Than an old, lazy government,
That knows no interest of state,
read more
Nothing's more dull and negligent
Than an old, lazy government,
That knows no interest of state,
But such as serves a present strait.
