Rousseau had it backwards. We are NOT born free. We are born in the chains of the random and the reflexive, and are ignorant and unreasonable by simple nature. We must learn to be free, to organize the random and detect the reflexive, to acquire the knowledge of particulars and the powers of reason. The examined life is impossible if we cannot examine, order, classify, define, distinguish, always in minute particulars.
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A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman, of the next generation.
A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman, of the next generation.
America is a large, friendly dog in a very small room. Every time it wags its tail, it knocks over read more
America is a large, friendly dog in a very small room. Every time it wags its tail, it knocks over a chair.
Democracy is the art of running the circus from the monkey cage.
Democracy is the art of running the circus from the monkey cage.
If a politician murders his mother, the first response of the press or of his opponents will likely be not read more
If a politician murders his mother, the first response of the press or of his opponents will likely be not that it was a terrible thing to do, but rather that in a statement made six years before he had gone on record as being opposed to matricide.
Perhaps America will one day go fascist democratically, by popular vote.
Perhaps America will one day go fascist democratically, by popular vote.
Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.
Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.
A recent conversation: Dubya: Look at the clock, time is racing! Cheney: That's the second hand, George.
A recent conversation: Dubya: Look at the clock, time is racing! Cheney: That's the second hand, George.
All who think cannot but see there is a sanction like that of religion which binds us in partnership in read more
All who think cannot but see there is a sanction like that of religion which binds us in partnership in the serious work of the world.
Nobody believes a rumor here in Washington until it's officially denied.
Nobody believes a rumor here in Washington until it's officially denied.
