Simone Weil on government

Only he who has measured the dominion of force, and knows how not to respect it, is capable of love and justice.

One of the most exquisite pleasures of human love — to serve the loved one without his knowing it — is only possible, as regards the love of God, through atheism.

Art is the symbol of the two noblest human efforts: to construct and to refrain from destruction.

The best government is that which governs least.

John L. O'Sullivan1813–1895Often credited to Thomas Paine

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.

The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.