Famously Said Random quote

Quotes about government

575 quotes from 235 people

Most readBy personPage 30 of 39

The inflexibility of the laws, which prevents them from adapting themselves to circumstances, may, in certain cases, render them disastrous, and make them bring about, at a time of crisis, the ruin of the State.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau1712–1778The Social Contract (1762), Book IV, Chapter VIIn context
- Laws
Punishment is the last and least effective instrument in the hands of the legislator for the prevention of crime.
John Ruskin1819–1900Notes on the General Principles of Employment for the Destitute and Criminal Classes (1868)
- Justice
- Laws
Freedom of opinion can only exist when the government thinks itself secure.
Bertrand Russell1872–1970
- Freedom
To acquire immunity to eloquence is of the utmost importance to the citizens of a democracy.
Bertrand Russell1872–1970Power: A New Social Analysis (1938), Ch. 18: The Taming of Power
- Democracy
- Talking
It is obvious that “obscenity” is not a term capable of exact legal definition; in the practice of the Courts, it means “anything that shocks the magistrate.”
Bertrand Russell1872–1970Sceptical Essays (1928), Ch. 10: Recrudescence of Puritanism
- Clever Jabs
- Laws
Democracy has to be judged not just by the institutions that formally exist but by the extent to which different voices from diverse sections of the people can actually be heard.
Amartya Senborn 1933The Idea of Justice (2009), p. xiii
- Democracy
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
William Shakespeare1564–1616Hamlet (c. 1600), Act I, Scene IV, spoken by MarcellusIn context
There thou mightst behold the great image of authority: a dog’s obeyed in office.
William Shakespeare1564–1616King Lear (c. 1606), Act IV, Scene VI, spoken by LearIn context
- Power
The world is still deceiv’d with ornament.
In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt
But, being season’d with a gracious voice,
Obscures the show of evil?
William Shakespeare1564–1616The Merchant of Venice (c. 1597), Act III, Scene II, spoken by BassanioIn context
- Laws
- Truth & Lies
Do as adversaries do in law,
Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.
William Shakespeare1564–1616The Taming of the Shrew (c. 1591), Act I, Scene II, spoken by TranioIn context
What is the city but the people?
William Shakespeare1564–1616Coriolanus (c. 1608), Act III, Scene I, spoken by SiciniusIn context
- Democracy
- Politics
Democracy is a form of government that substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few.
George Bernard Shaw1856–1950Maxims for Revolutionists (1903), #17
- Democracy
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
George Bernard Shaw1856–1950Everybody’s Political What’s What (1944), Ch. 30, p. 256
Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.
George Bernard Shaw1856–1950
- Democracy
You have to be prepared for the consequences. I honestly do not know if civil disobedience has any effect on the government. I can promise you it has a great effect on the person who chooses to do it.
Martin Sheenborn 1940Progressive magazine interview (2003)
- Laws