Top 11 Quotes & Sayings by Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

Explore popular quotes and sayings by an American politician Robert M. La Follette, Sr..

Last updated on April 15, 2025.

Robert Marion "Fighting Bob" La Follette Sr., was an American lawyer and politician. He represented Wisconsin in both chambers of Congress and served as the 20th Governor of Wisconsin. A Republican for most of his life, he ran for president of the United States as the nominee of his own Progressive Party in the 1924 presidential election. Historian John D. Buenker describes La Follette as "the most celebrated figure in Wisconsin history".

American - Politician | June 14, 1855 - June 18, 1925

Source: Wikipedia

Democracy is a life, and involves continual struggle.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

The will of the people shall be the law of the land

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

Publicity, discussion, and agitation are necessary to accomplish any work of lasting benefit.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

The principle of free speech is no new doctrine born of the Constitution of the United States. It is a heritage of English-speaking peoples, which has been won by incalculable sacrifice, and which they must preserve so long as they hope to live as free men.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

Wealth has never yet sacrificed itself on the altar of patriotism.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

Let no man think we can deny civil liberty to others and retain it for ourselves. When zealous agents of the Government arrest suspected "radicals" without warrant, hold them without prompt trial, deny them access to counsel and admission of bail....we have shorn the Bill of Rights of its sanctity.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

Men must be aggressive for what is right if government is to be saved from men who are aggressive for what is wrong.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

God, how patient are Thy poor! These corporations and masters of manipulation in finance heaping up great fortunes by a system of legalized extortion, and then exacting from the contributors-to whom a little means so much-a double share to guard the treasure!

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

Let no man think we can deny civil liberty to others and retain it for ourselves.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

Every nation has its war party. It is not the party of democracy. It is the party of autocracy. It seeks to dominate absolutely.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.

If there is no sufficient reason for war, the war party will make war on one pretext, then invent another.

Robert M. La Follette, Sr.