Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The danger is not that a particular class is unfit to govern. Every class is unfit to govern.

Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity.

To be able to look back upon one's past life with satisfaction is to live twice.

A wise person does at once, what a fool does at last. Both do the same thing; only at different times.

It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority. For there is a reserve of latent power in the masses which, if it is called into play, the minority can seldom resist. But from the absolute will of an entire people there is no appeal, no redemption, no refuge but treason.