If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve. - On the request that he accept the read more

If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve. - On the request that he accept the Republican presidential nomination.

Confronted with the choice, the American people would choose the policeman's truncheon over the anarchist's bomb.

Confronted with the choice, the American people would choose the policeman's truncheon over the anarchist's bomb.

All political theories assume, of course, that most individuals are very ignorant. Those who plead for liberty differ from the read more

All political theories assume, of course, that most individuals are very ignorant. Those who plead for liberty differ from the rest in that they include among the ignorant themselves as well as the wisest.

Nobody is equal to anybody. Even the same man is not equal to himself on different days.

Nobody is equal to anybody. Even the same man is not equal to himself on different days.

Rank and riches are chains of gold, but still chains.

Rank and riches are chains of gold, but still chains.

No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent.

No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent.

A political career brings out the basest qualities in human nature.

A political career brings out the basest qualities in human nature.

Discontent does not invariably create a desire for change. Other factors have to be present before discontent turns into disaffection. read more

Discontent does not invariably create a desire for change. Other factors have to be present before discontent turns into disaffection. One of these is a sense of power.

Those who see their lives as spoiled and wasted crave equality and fraternity more than they do freedom. If they read more

Those who see their lives as spoiled and wasted crave equality and fraternity more than they do freedom. If they clamor for freedom, it is but freedom to establish equality and uniformity. The passion for equality is partly a passion for anonymity: to be one thread of the many which make up a tunic; one thread not distinguishable from the others. No one can then point us out, measure us against others and expose our inferiority.