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All Quotes Collection
"This source of corruption, alas, is inherent in the democratic system itself, and it can only be controlled, if at all, by finding ways to encourage legislators to subordinate ambition to principle."
54
"Once it becomes impossible for members of Congress to make a career of legislative service, the temptation to bend a vote for whatever reason may yield to the better angels of their nature."
54
"The more complicated and powerful the job, the more rudimentary the preparation for it."
46
"Liberals, it has been said, are generous with other peoples' money, except when it comes to questions of national survival when they prefer to be generous with other people's freedom and security."
65
"Life can't be all bad when for ten dollars you can buy all the Beethoven sonatas and listen to them for ten years."
55
"One can't doubt that the American objective in Iraq has failed - different plans have to be made. And the kernel here is the acknowledgement of defeat."
54
"One must bear in mind that the expansion of federal activity is a form of eating for politicians."
54
"Scientists are people who build the Brooklyn Bridge and then buy it."
46
"The majority of the senior class of Vassar does not desire my company and I must confess, having read specimens of their thought and sentiments, that I do not desire the company of the majority of the senior class of Vassar."
54
"There is an inverse relationship between reliance on the state and self-reliance."
69
"To buy very good wine nowadays requires only money. To serve it to your guests is a sign of fatigue."
35
"Truth is a demure lady, much too ladylike to knock you on your head and drag you to her cave. She is there, but people must want her, and seek her out."
73
"Liberals claim to want to give a hearing to other views, but then are shocked and offended to discover that there are other views."
64
"I get satisfaction of three kinds. One is creating something, one is being paid for it and one is the feeling that I haven't just been sitting on my ass all afternoon."
45
"The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry."
44
"It seems to me that the idea traditionally defended of endeavoring to maintain existing ethnic balances simply doesn't work any more."
103
"It is not a sign of arrogance for the king to rule. That is what he is there for."
51
"Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive."
49
"I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University."
93
"I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would affront your intelligence."
123
"I would like to electrocute everyone who uses the word "fair" in connection with income tax policies."
58
"I profoundly believe it takes a lot of practice to become a moral slob."
52
"We love your adherence to democratic principles."
48
"Even if one takes every reefer madness allegation of the prohibitionists at face value, marijuana prohibition has done far more harm to far more people than marijuana ever could."
45
"Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich."
91
"All adventure is now reactionary."
59
"A Conservative is a fellow who is standing athwart history yelling 'Stop!'"
45
"I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said."
225
"I feel like I'm walking on eggs and can't take another step."
24
"I will never regret not denouncing apartheid."
47
"Looking back... it's hard to understand what all the fuss was about as things changed in just a few years. When you look at all the things that have happened in the world, it seems very small."
45
"I found them uncomfortable and after that I decided to continue running barefoot because I found it more comfortable. I felt more in touch with what was happening - I could actually feel the track."
37
"To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him."
50
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