That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.

If... the machine of government... is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.

I heartily accept the motto, "That government is best which governs least"; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe — "That government is best which governs not at all"; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.

If there is any hell more unprincipled than our rulers, and we, the ruled, I feel curious to see it.

That government is best which governs least.

Visit the Navy-Yard, and behold a marine, such a man as an American government can make, or such as it can make a man with its black arts / a mere shadow and reminiscence of humanity, a man laid out alive and standing, and already, as one may say, buried under arms with funeral accompaniments.