Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.
Natural progression
The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.
Other’s achievements
I am so old that I can remember when other people’s achievements were considered to be an inspiration rather than a grievance.
Controlling the masses
The ruling class has the schools and press under its thumb. This enables it to sway the emotions of the masses.
Descent into tyranny
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms [of government] those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
Which is worse?
Are the worst enemies of society those who attack it or those who do not even give themselves the trouble of defending it?
The savagery of crowds
A crowd is not merely impulsive and mobile. Like a savage, it is not prepared to admit that anything can come between its desire and the realization of its desire.
Revolutions and belief
The beginning of a revolution is in reality the end of a belief.
Chimeras
The role of the scholar is to destroy chimeras, that of the statesman is to make use of them.
The mentality of crowds
In crowds, it is stupidity and not mother wit that is accumulated.
Intolerance and beliefs
One of the most constant characteristics of beliefs is their intolerance. The stronger the belief, the greater its intolerance. Men dominated by a certitude cannot tolerate those who do not accept it.