The aim of all struggles for liberty is to keep in bounds the armed defenders of peace, the governors and read more

The aim of all struggles for liberty is to keep in bounds the armed defenders of peace, the governors and their constables. The political concept of the individual's freedom means: freedom from arbitrary action on the part of the police power.

There is a powerful craving in most of us to see ourselves as instruments in the hands of others and read more

There is a powerful craving in most of us to see ourselves as instruments in the hands of others and thus free ourselves from the responsibility for acts which are prompted by our own questionable inclinations and impulses. Both the strong and the weak grasp at this alibi. The latter hide their malevolence under the virtue of obedience: they acted dishonorably because they had to obey orders. The strong, too, claim absolution by proclaiming themselves the chosen instrument of a higher power- God, history, fate, nation or humanity.

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will read more

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid read more

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.

In a democracy, dissent is an act of faith.

The art of creation is older than the art of killing.

The art of creation is older than the art of killing.

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.

Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.

People constantly speak of "the government" doing this or that, as they might speak of God doing it. But the read more

People constantly speak of "the government" doing this or that, as they might speak of God doing it. But the government is really nothing but a group of men, and usually they are very inferior men. They may have some better man working for them, but they themselves are seldom worthy of any respect.