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Quotes about politics

529 quotes from 258 people

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The tradition of the oppressed teaches us that the “state of emergency” in which we live is not the exception but the rule.
Walter Benjamin1892–1940Theses on the Philosophy of History (1940), VIII
- History
Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.
Ernest Benn1875–1954Often credited to Groucho Marx
I am the Jesus Christ of politics. I am a patient victim, I sacrifice myself for everyone.
Silvio Berlusconi1936–2023At the launch of his 2006 campaign, as quoted in “In quotes: Berlusconi in his own words” at BBC News (2 May 2006), and “Did I say This? in The Observer (20 April 2008)
Whether we and our politicians know it or not, Nature is party to all our deals and decisions, and she has more votes, a longer memory, and a sterner sense of justice than we do.
Wendell Berry1934–2026Part of an endorsement statement for The Dying of the Trees (1997) by Charles E. Little
- Nature
If you can control a people’s economy, you don’t need to worry about its politics; its politics have become irrelevant.
Wendell Berry1934–2026Another Turn of the Crank (1996), “Conserving Forest Communities”
- Economics
We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over.
Aneurin Bevan1897–1960Often credited to Ambrose Bierce
There is only one hope for mankind — and that is democratic Socialism.
Aneurin Bevan1897–1960Resignation speech in the House of Commons (23 April 1951)
- Hope
A free health service is pure Socialism and as such it is opposed to the hedonism of capitalist society.
Aneurin Bevan1897–1960In Place of Fear (1952), p. 81
- Health
A free Health Service is a triumphant example of the superiority of collective action and public initiative applied to a segment of society where commercial principles are seen at their worst.
Aneurin Bevan1897–1960In Place of Fear (1952), p. 85
- Economics
- Health
The theories, the dogmas and the scripts stand outside the gates of history. The dominant factor is the aspiration of the people and the ability to seek total identification with it.
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto1928–1979Letter to his daughter (1978), p. 15
- History
In our civilization, and under our republican form of government, intelligence is so highly honored that it is rewarded by exemption from the cares of office.
Ambrose Bierce1842–1914The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)
- Intelligence
I think that a young state, like a young virgin, should modestly stay at home, and wait the application of suitors for an alliance with her; and not run about offering her amity to all the world; and hazarding their refusal. Our virgin is a jolly one; and tho at present not very rich, will in time be a great fortune, and where she has a favorable predisposition, it seems to me well worth cultivating.
Ambrose Bierce1842–1914
Diplomacy, n. The patriotic art of lying for one’s country.
Ambrose Bierce1842–1914The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)
- Truth & Lies
Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.
Ambrose Bierce1842–1914The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)
Boundary, n. In political geography, an imaginary line between two nations, separating the imaginary rights of one from the imaginary rights of the other.
Ambrose Bierce1842–1914The Devil’s Dictionary (1911)
- Comedy