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.

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.

My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on

My experience in government is that when things are non-controversial and beautifully coordinated, there is not much going on

Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.

Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.

The worst thing in this world, next to anarchy, is government.

The worst thing in this world, next to anarchy, is government.

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.

Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far read more

Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.

No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will.

No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

If men were angels, no government would be necessary.