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Great powers can't get tired, because the international order is not self-governing.

The problem with the U.S. foreign policy is that we're just so unbelievably powerful. And when you've got that kind of power, it's very hard not to use it.

This is the very devilish thing about foreign affairs: they are foreign and will not always conform to our whim.

This is the devilish thing about foreign affairs: they are foreign and will not always conform to our whim.

Government is not show business.

I think it's always easy to be sympathetic to parts of the government in detail; in their concrete manifestations. Because obviously, we don't have government for no reason.

I love my government not least for the extent to which it leaves me alone.

Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.

Our military leaders don't seize power in coups; our soldiers and sailors don't go on strike for higher pay or benefits; our armed forces don't weigh in on the political process. In return, Americans have a sacred duty to treat them honorably.

Politics is not about power.