Thomas Hobbes Quotes

The first is the law, the last prerogative.

A wise ruler, when he makes his laws, is bound to find himself in conflict with the world.

The United States is the greatest law factory the world has ever known.

Laws are the sovereigns of sovereigns.

Superior to the law of the land.

Law is a rule prescribed, because a simple resolution, confined within the sovereign's mind, without manifesting itself by some external sign, can never be a law. It is requisite, that this will be notified in a proper manner to the subjects; so that they be acquainted with what the sovereign requires of them, and with the necessity of squaring thereby their conduct. But in what manner this notification is to be made, whether viva voce, by writing, or otherwise, is a matter of mere indifference. Sufficient it is, that the subjects be properly instructed concerning the will of the legislator.

To rule means to exercise power, and only he who possesses power can exercise it. This direct connection of power and rule forms the fundamental truth of all politics and the key to all history.

The Law is one aspect of a much more concrete and encompassing relation than the relation between commanding and obeying that characterizes the imperative.

Law is king of all.

Once you are a proper, serious law-maker, you can't break the laws you're writing.

The law, in our case, seems to make the right; and the very reverse ought to be done - the right should make the law.

Justice is the first virtue of those who command, and stops the complaints of those who obey.

Either the law exists, or it does not.

I don't order laws, I propose them.

I was the law and order.

I don't just write letters. I write laws.

I’m the constitution around here now.

That means that I shall be under the law, which it is treason to affirm.

Punishment alone governs all created beings.

In the United States almost every political question becomes a legal question—or at least a question with legal dimensions.

I have no ambition to govern men. It is a thankless office.

Common sense is the foundation of all authorities, of the laws themselves, and of their construction

I established law and justice in the land.

A law is a law, and it has to be respected.

Laws are to be respected.