Quotes
Quotes about Men
Perhaps the fact that we have seen millions voting themselves into complete dependence on a tyrant has made our generation understand that to choose one's government is not necessarily to secure freedom.
Even more significant of the inherent weakness of the collectivist theories is the extraordinary paradox that from the assertion that society is in some sense more than merely the aggregate of all individuals their adherents regularly pass by a sort of intellectual somersault to the thesis that in order that the coherence of this larger entity be safeguarded it must be subjected to conscious control, that is, to the control of what in the last resort must be an individual mind. It thus comes about that in practice it is regularly the theoretical collectivist who extols individual reason and demands that all forces of society be made subject to the direction of a single mastermind, while it is the individualist who recognizes the limitations of the powers of individual reason and consequently advocates freedom as a means for the fullest development of the powers of the interindividual process.
...the case for individual freedom rests largely on the recognition of the inevitable and universal ignorance of all of us concerning a great many of the factors on which the achievements of our ends and welfare depend.
We in Government have begun to recognize the critical work which must be done at all levels--local, State and Federal--in ending the pollution of our waters.
Why grab possessions like thieves, or divide them like socialists when you can ignore them like wise men?
And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries: . . . . So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decrees was given at Shushan the palace.
Carrier of news and knowledge, Instrument of trade and industry, Promoter of mutual acquaintance, Of peace and good-will Among men and nations.
A strange volume of real life in the daily packet of the postman. Eternal love and instant payment!
Posterity is a most limited assembly. Those gentlemen who reach posterity are not much more numerous than the planets.
What dazzles, for the moment spends its spirit; What's genuine, shall posterity inherit. [Ger., Was glanzt ist fur den Augenblick geboren; Das Aechte bleibt der Nachwelt unverloren.]
I despise mankind in all its strata; I foresee that our descendants will be still far unhappier than we are. Would I not be a criminal if, notwithstanding this view, I should provide for progeny, i.e. for unfortunates? [Ger., Ich verachte die Menschheit in allen ihren Schichten; ich sehe es voraus, dass unsere Nachkommen noch weit unglucklicher sein werden, als wir. Sollte ich nicht ein Sunder sein, wenn ich trotz dieser Ansicht fur Nachkommen, d.h. fur Ungluckliche sorgte?
Leave the poor Some time for self-improvement. Let them not Be forced to grind the bones out of their arms For bread, but have some space to think and feel Like moral and immortal creatures.
Patiently bear the burden of poverty. [Lat., Paupertatis onus patienter ferre memento.]
The child was diseased at birth, stricken with a hereditary ill that only the most vital men are able to shake off. I mean poverty--the most deadly and prevalent of all diseases.
Odin, thou whirlwind, what a threat is this Thou threatenest what transcends thy might, even thine, For of all powers the mightiest far art thou, Lord over men on earth, and Gods in Heaven; Yet even from thee thyself hath been withheld One thing--to undo what thou thyself hast ruled.
Men are never very wise and select in the exercise of a new power.
Though the power be wanting, yet the wish is praiseworthy. [Lat., Ut desint vires tamen est laudanda voluntas.]
This administration has broken faith with the people of America. They have squandered the immense good will extended by other nations.
The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.
The imbecility of men is always inviting the impudence of power.
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
Good people all, with one accord, Lament for Madame Blaize, Who never wanted a good word-- From those who spoke her praise.
To please great men is not the last degree of praise. [Lat., Principibus placuisse viris non ultima laus est.]
I can live for two months on a good compliment.
The saints will aid if men will call: For the blue sky bends over all.
