Victor Hugo on government

One resists the invasion of armies; one does not resist the invasion of ideas.

Hell is an outrage on humanity. When you tell me that your deity made you in his image, I reply that he must have been very ugly.

I met in the street a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his coat worn, his cloak was out at the elbows, the water passed through his shoes⁠—and the stars through his soul.

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.