Not stones, nor wood, nor the art of artisans make a state; but
where men are who know how read more

Not stones, nor wood, nor the art of artisans make a state; but
where men are who know how to take care of themselves, these are
cities and walls.

You have the God-given right to kick the government around--don't hesitate to do so.

You have the God-given right to kick the government around--don't hesitate to do so.

Everybody wants to eat at the government's table, but nobody wants to do the dishes.

Everybody wants to eat at the government's table, but nobody wants to do the dishes.

Governments exist to protect the rights of minorities. The loved and the rich need no protection: they have many friends read more

Governments exist to protect the rights of minorities. The loved and the rich need no protection: they have many friends and few enemies.

The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it's so rare.

The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence, because it's so rare.

The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics read more

The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression.

It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.

It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.

. . . The manners of women are the surest criterion by which to
determine whether a republican government read more

. . . The manners of women are the surest criterion by which to
determine whether a republican government is practicable in a
nation or not.

So long as governments set the example of killing their enemies, private individuals will occasionally kill theirs.

So long as governments set the example of killing their enemies, private individuals will occasionally kill theirs.