But the law is made, generally, by one man, or by one class of men. And as law cannot exist without the sanction and the support of a preponderating … - Frédéric Bastiat

Chateaubriand said of history: There are two consequences in history: one immediate and instantaneously recognized; the other distant and unperceived at first. These consequences often contradict each other; the former come from our short-run wisdom, the latter from long-run wisdom.

the public has two hopes, and Government makes two promises — many benefits and no taxes. Hopes and promises that, being contradictory, can never be realized.

It is worth our while to pay a little attention to the extent of genius required by these legislators, that we may see how, by confounding all the virtues, they showed their wisdom to the world.