Power and corruption often go hand in hand, and few figures embody this like William “Boss” Tweed. The infamous political leader of New York’s Tammany Hall left behind a legacy of sharp wit and ruthless ambition. His quotes reveal a man who knew how the game was played—and wasn’t afraid to admit it.
The Mindset of a Political Powerhouse
Boss Tweed’s words reflect his unapologetic approach to politics. He didn’t sugarcoat his methods.
🔹 “The way to have power is to take it.”
🔹 “I don’t care who does the electing, so long as I get to do the nominating.”
🔹 “As long as I count the votes, what are you going to do about it?”
These lines show his belief in control. He didn’t wait for permission. He took what he wanted.
On Money and Influence
Tweed understood the role of money in politics better than most. His quotes on wealth and power still ring true today.
🔹 “It’s not the voting that’s democracy, it’s the counting.”
🔹 “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.”
🔹 “Money is power, and power is money.”
He saw politics as a transaction. Votes, favors, and loyalty were all part of the deal.
The Art of Manipulation
Tweed mastered the game of public perception. He knew how to twist words to his advantage.
🔹 “The people are too ignorant to know what’s good for them.”
🔹 “Why should I care about the law? I’ve got the votes to change it.”
🔹 “If my constituents like me, what does it matter what the papers say?”
He didn’t bother with ethics. Winning was the only rule.
Cynical Humor and Brutal Honesty
Some of his quotes are darkly funny. Others are just brutally honest.
🔹 “I don’t care who knows it. I’m in this for the money.”
🔹 “Reformers? They’re just men who can’t get a job.”
🔹 “Honesty is the best policy—but not always the most profitable.”
Tweed didn’t pretend to be a saint. He owned his corruption.
Leadership According to Tweed
His view of leadership was simple: control the system, or the system controls you.
🔹 “A good leader knows how to reward his friends and punish his enemies.”
🔹 “The best way to keep power is to make sure no one else gets any.”
🔹 “If you want loyalty, buy a dog. If you want results, buy a politician.”
He believed in absolute authority. Compromise was weakness.
The Downfall of a Boss
Even Tweed knew his empire wouldn’t last forever. Some of his later quotes hint at regret.
🔹 “I should have quit while I was ahead.”
🔹 “Power is like a drug. The more you have, the more you need.”
🔹 “They’ll remember me—just not the way I wanted.”
In the end, his greed caught up with him.
Lessons from Boss Tweed
His quotes aren’t just history. They’re warnings.
🔹 “The bigger the lie, the more people will believe it.”
🔹 “Laws are like cobwebs—they catch the small flies but let the big ones through.”
🔹 “You can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you need to focus on.”
Tweed’s tactics still echo in modern politics.
Final Thoughts
Boss Tweed’s quotes reveal a man who played hard and lost harder. His words are sharp, cynical, and eerily relevant. Whether you admire his boldness or despise his corruption, one thing’s clear—he knew how the game worked.
📌 Key Takeaway: Power corrupts, but it also teaches. Tweed’s legacy is a reminder of what happens when ambition goes unchecked.