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Discontent is likely to be highest when misery is bearable; when conditions have so improved that an ideal state seems read more
Discontent is likely to be highest when misery is bearable; when conditions have so improved that an ideal state seems almost within reach. A grievance is most poignant when almost redressed. De Tocqueville in his researches into the state of society in France before the revolution was struck by the discovery that "in no one of the periods which have followed the Revolution of 1789 has the national prosperity of France augmented more rapidly than it did in the twenty years preceding that event." He is forced to conclude that "the French found their position the more intolerable the better it became.
Systems are to be appreciated by their general effects, and not by particular exceptions.
Systems are to be appreciated by their general effects, and not by particular exceptions.
The soil of their native land is dear to all the hearts of mankind.
The soil of their native land is dear to all the hearts of mankind.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend upon the support of Paul.
A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend upon the support of Paul.
Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.
Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.
From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need.
From each, according to his ability; to each, according to his need.
Free institutions are not the property of any majority. They do not confer upon majorities unlimited powers. The rights of read more
Free institutions are not the property of any majority. They do not confer upon majorities unlimited powers. The rights of the majority are limited rights. They are limited not only by the constitutional guarantees but by the moral principle implied in those guarantees. That principle is that men may not use the facilities of liberty to impair them. No man may invoke a right in order to destroy it.
Freedom has cost too much blood and agony to be relinquished at the cheap price of rhetoric.
Freedom has cost too much blood and agony to be relinquished at the cheap price of rhetoric.
Politics is not a game. It is an earnest business.
Politics is not a game. It is an earnest business.
