The conception that government should be guided by majority opinion makes sense only if that opinion is independent of government. read more

The conception that government should be guided by majority opinion makes sense only if that opinion is independent of government. The ideal of democracy rests on the belief that the view which will direct government emerges from an independent and spontaneous process. It requires, therefore, the existence of a large sphere independent of majority control in which the opinions of the individuals are formed.

It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not read more

It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.

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.

The first sign of corruption in a society that is still alive is that the end justifies the means.

The first sign of corruption in a society that is still alive is that the end justifies the means.

A nation's policy form an integral whole. Foreign policy and domestic policy are closely linked together; they are but one read more

A nation's policy form an integral whole. Foreign policy and domestic policy are closely linked together; they are but one system; they condition each other.

The most fundamental fact about the ideas of the political left is that they do not work. Therefore we should read more

The most fundamental fact about the ideas of the political left is that they do not work. Therefore we should not be surprised to find the left concentrated in institutions where ideas do not have to work in order to survive.

The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.

The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.

True patriots we; for be it understood we left our country for our country's good.

True patriots we; for be it understood we left our country for our country's good.

A country grows in history not only because of the heroism of its troops on the field of battle, it read more

A country grows in history not only because of the heroism of its troops on the field of battle, it grows also when it turns to justice and to right for the conservation of its interests.