I rope them all in by givin’ them opportunities to show themselves off. I don’t trouble them with political arguments. I just study human nature and … - George W. Plunkitt

The men who rule have practiced keepin’ their tongues still, not exercisin’ them. <small>p. 8</small>

Consolidation didn’t make him a New Yorker, and nothin’ on earth can. A man born in Germany can settle down and become a good New Yorker. So can an Irishman; in fact, the first word an Irish boy learns in the old country is “New York,” and when he grows up and comes here, he is at home right away. Even a Jap or a Chinaman can become a New Yorker, but a Brooklynite never can. <small>p. 41</small>

The politicians who make a lastin’ success in politics are the men who are always loyal to their friends, even up to the gate of State prison, if necessary; men who keep their promises and never lie. <small>p. 35</small>