H. L. Mencken

Of government, at least in democratic states, it may be said briefly that it is an agency engaged wholesale, and read more

Of government, at least in democratic states, it may be said briefly that it is an agency engaged wholesale, and as a matter of solemn duty, in the performance of acts which all self-respecting individuals refrain from as a matter of common decency.

The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is that the latter regrets a discreditable act even read more

The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is that the latter regrets a discreditable act even when it has worked.

No one ever heard of the truth being enforced by law. Whenever the secular arm is called in to sustain read more

No one ever heard of the truth being enforced by law. Whenever the secular arm is called in to sustain an idea, whether new or old, it is always a bad idea, and not infrequently it is downright idiotic.

Imagine the Creator as a low comedian, and at once the world becomes explicable.

Imagine the Creator as a low comedian, and at once the world becomes explicable.

And what is a good citizen? Simply one who never says, does or thinks anything that is unusual. Schools are read more

And what is a good citizen? Simply one who never says, does or thinks anything that is unusual. Schools are maintained in order to bring this uniformity up to the highest possible point. A school is a hopper into which children are heaved while they are still young and tender; therein they are pressed into certain standard shapes and covered from head to heels with official rubber-stamps.