Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to read more

Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule--and both commonly succeed, and are right.

It is much safer to obey, than to govern.

It is much safer to obey, than to govern.

All lasting change is incremented, based on unfolding traditions and developing institutions. Revolutionary upheavals may change how the world looks read more

All lasting change is incremented, based on unfolding traditions and developing institutions. Revolutionary upheavals may change how the world looks but seldom changes the way the world works. Lasting historical change comes not through tidal waves but through the irresistible creeping tide.

I hereby resign this office of president of the United States.

I hereby resign this office of president of the United States.

...as long as mankind shall continue to bestow more liberal applause on their destroyers than on their benefactors, the thirst read more

...as long as mankind shall continue to bestow more liberal applause on their destroyers than on their benefactors, the thirst of military glory will ever be the vice of the most exalted characters.

Expecting a carjacker or rapist or drug pusher to care that his possession or use of a gun is unlawful read more

Expecting a carjacker or rapist or drug pusher to care that his possession or use of a gun is unlawful is like expecting a terrorist to care that his car bomb is taking up two parking spaces. - "Usenet posting in talk.politics.guns".

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don't want them to become politicians in read more

Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don't want them to become politicians in the process.

Sir, I would rather be right than be President.

Sir, I would rather be right than be President.