It is possible to lead astray an entire generation, to strike it blind, to drive it insane, to direct it read more

It is possible to lead astray an entire generation, to strike it blind, to drive it insane, to direct it towards a false goal. Napoleon proved this.

It seems that an essential condition for crises is to be found in the existence of a highly developed system read more

It seems that an essential condition for crises is to be found in the existence of a highly developed system of communications and the spreading of a homogenous mentality over vast areas.But when the hour and the right material are at hand, the contagion spreads with the speed of electricity over hundreds of miles, and affects the most diverse populations, which hardly know each other. The message flies through the air and they all suddenly agree on that one issue, if only a sulky admission that "there's got to be a change.".

At least one way of measuring the freedom of any society is the amount of comedy that is permitted, and read more

At least one way of measuring the freedom of any society is the amount of comedy that is permitted, and clearly a healthy society permits more satirical comment than a repressive, so that if comedy is to function in some way as a safety release then it must obviously deal with these taboo areas. This is part of the responsibility we accord our licensed jesters, that nothing be excused the searching light of comedy. If anything can survive the probe of humour it is clearly of value, and conversely all groups who claim immunity from laughter are claiming special privileges which should not be granted.

There is nothing an economist should fear so much as applause.

There is nothing an economist should fear so much as applause.

Inflation is as violent as a mugger, as frightening as an armed robber and as deadly as a hit man.

Inflation is as violent as a mugger, as frightening as an armed robber and as deadly as a hit man.

Love your enemies just in case your friends turn out to be a bunch of bastards.

Love your enemies just in case your friends turn out to be a bunch of bastards.

...the differences between the conservative and the radical seem to spring mainly from their attitude toward the future. Fear of read more

...the differences between the conservative and the radical seem to spring mainly from their attitude toward the future. Fear of the future causes us to lean against and cling to the present, while faith in the future renders us receptive to change.

Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and read more

Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.

The art of creation is older than the art of killing.

The art of creation is older than the art of killing.