Government and state can never be perfect because they owe their raison d'etre to the imperfection of man and can read more

Government and state can never be perfect because they owe their raison d'etre to the imperfection of man and can attain their end, the elimination of man's innate impulse to violence, only by recourse to violence, the very thing they are called upon to prevent.

In politics it is necessary either to betray one's country or the electorate. I prefer to betray the electorate.

In politics it is necessary either to betray one's country or the electorate. I prefer to betray the electorate.

Force is the antithesis of freedom, but force must be used, if only to defend against other force.

Force is the antithesis of freedom, but force must be used, if only to defend against other force.

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

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

God himself has no right to be a tyrant.

God himself has no right to be a tyrant.

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.

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.

All that Communism needs to make it successful is someone to feed and clothe it.

All that Communism needs to make it successful is someone to feed and clothe it.

No intelligent man has any respect for an unjust law.

No intelligent man has any respect for an unjust law.