“Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage.”
Topic
government
940 quotes
Voices on government
“It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.”
More on government
“The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.”
“I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it's the government.”
“The worst thing in this world, next to anarchy, is government.”
“A President needs political understanding to run the government, but he may be elected without it.”
“Patriotism is not obedience to government. Patriotism is obedience to the principals for which government is supposed to stand.”
“In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one class of citizens to give to another.”
“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.”
“The Chinese government wants me to say that for many centuries Tibet has been part of China. Even if I make that statement, many people would just laugh. And my statement will not change past history. History is history.”
“Protecting the rights of even the least individual among us is basically the only excuse the government has for even existing.”
“If you think of yourselves as helpless and ineffectual, it is certain that you will create a despotic government to be your master. The wise despot, therefore, maintains among his subjects a popular sense that they are helpless and ineffectual.”
“Pretty much at all times music motivates me. How can I say this without sounding in any way proud of myself? Obviously I've always written songs that are critical of our government, and talk about our times. Hopefully you attempt to be timeless while doing it.”
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
“A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference.”
“The taxpayer - that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.”
“Government is an association of men who do violence to the rest of us.”
“There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile to continue talking about peace and non-violence against a government whose only reply is savage attacks on an unarmed and defenceless people.”
“If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don't get wet you can keep.”
“You know, I have found a new way to get high and stay spaced out for hours on end, and the government can't stop me... It's called senility.”
“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”
“Suppose you were an idiot and suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.”
“The art of government is the organisation of idolatry.”
“If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in government to the utmost.”
“That government is best which governs least.”