The successful politician owes his power to the fact that he moves within the accepted framework of thought, that he thinks and talks conventionally. It would be almost a contradiction in terms for a politician to be a leader in the field of ideas. His task in a democracy is to find out what the opinions held by the largest number are, not to give currency to new opinions which may become the majority view in some distant future.
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Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
This is, I say, the time for all good men not to go to the aid of their party, but read more
This is, I say, the time for all good men not to go to the aid of their party, but to come to the aid of their country.
It is the besetting vice of democracies to substitute public opinion for law. This is the usual form in which read more
It is the besetting vice of democracies to substitute public opinion for law. This is the usual form in which the masses of men exhibit their tyranny.
Diplomacy is the art of saying "Nice doggie" until you can find a rock.
Diplomacy is the art of saying "Nice doggie" until you can find a rock.
The only index by which to judge a government or a way of life is by the quality of the read more
The only index by which to judge a government or a way of life is by the quality of the people it acts upon. No matter how noble the objectives of a government, if it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life, and breeds ill will and suspicion- it is an evil government.
If none were to have Liberty but those who understand what it is, there would not be many freed Men read more
If none were to have Liberty but those who understand what it is, there would not be many freed Men in the world.
Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid read more
Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
To the frustrated, freedom from responsibility is more attractive than freedom from restraint. They are eager to barter their independence read more
To the frustrated, freedom from responsibility is more attractive than freedom from restraint. They are eager to barter their independence for relief from the burdens of willing, deciding and being responsible for inevitable failure. They willingly abdicate the directing of their lives to those who want to plan, command and shoulder all responsibility.
All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small read more
All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field.
