William Safire Quotes

We gradually become aware that we live in an environment where there is constant tension between authority and freedom.

Force and right are the governors of this world; force till right is ready.

Power never takes a back step—only in the face of more power.

Force, no matter how concealed, begets resistance.

Between the people and their enemies there can be nothing in common but the sword; we must govern by iron those who cannot be governed by justice; we must oppress the tyrant...

I started to fight with the men. I raised my voice, and they started listening to me.

In no form of government is there an absolute identity of interest between the people and their rulers

My interest is in power. How power works.

Christina,'i say,'The factionless have all the guns.

What you gotta understand is, in this conversation and in our fight, you're not in control.

She might not know what your routine is, but I do,” I said softly. “So put the lantern down. You’re not burning me yet, and we both know it.” “What’s she saying?” Sarah demanded, hobbling over. His white brows drew together, and I allowed a little smile to play on my lips. “Awfully bossy with you, isn’t she? Then again, it makes sense. She’s got the pants on, and you’re the one in the dress.

Power, however it has evolved, whatever its origins, will not be given up without a struggle.

Power is a word the meaning of which we do not understand.

I think it's important that we run that tension between the way things are, in terms of the way we're governed, and the way we sort of become complacent.

The position of power and having to make decisions that you don't necessarily want to make is always good conflict and good drama.

I've had meetings where a guy actually told me, "What we're trying to figure out is how we can control you." In the meeting, to me! Why do you want to control me?

Force rules the world-not opinion; but it is opinion that makes use of force.

all history shows that the hand that cradles the rock has ruled the world, not the hand that rocks the cradle!

I am not blaming those who are resolved to rule, only those who show an even greater readiness to submit.

The hand that controls the supper dish rules the world!

Politics are about power; we cannot evade that truth or its consequences. We dream of a better world but it is in Utopia - that is, nowhere.

People are difficult to rule, because of their knowledge.

Influence is not government.

I'm interested in power. I'm interested in the kind of polarities and equilibriums that take place within sexuality and philosophy and sociology. So in Versailles, in this type of setting, you have a place that is about absolute control, where everything has been thought about.

I am looking at you and you are looking at me. This is very good. I am looking and I am liking. You are looking and you are thinking, 'I hope she doesn't hit me with her crop.' But that is because I am me and you are you.