When our individual interests and prospects do not seem worth living for, we are in desperate need for something apart read more

When our individual interests and prospects do not seem worth living for, we are in desperate need for something apart from us to live for. All forms of dedication, devotion, loyalty and self-surrender are in essence a desperate clinging to something which might give worth and meaning to our futile, spoiled lives.

It is useless for sheep to pass resolutions in favor of vegetarianism while wolves remain of a different opinion.

It is useless for sheep to pass resolutions in favor of vegetarianism while wolves remain of a different opinion.

There is a fundamental difference between the appeal of a mass movement and the appeal of a practical organization. The read more

There is a fundamental difference between the appeal of a mass movement and the appeal of a practical organization. The practical organization offers opportunities for self-advancement, and its appeal is mainly to self-interest. On the other hand, a mass movement, particularly in its active, revivalist phase, appeals not to those intent on bolstering and advancing a cherished self, but to those who crave to be rid of an unwanted self. A mass movement attracts and holds a following not because it can satisfy the desire for self-advancement, but because it can satisfy the passion for self-renunciation.

Do not be in a hurry to tie what you cannot untie.

Do not be in a hurry to tie what you cannot untie.

General jackdaw culture, very little more than a collection of charming miscomprehensions, untargeted enthusiasms, and a general habit of skimming.

General jackdaw culture, very little more than a collection of charming miscomprehensions, untargeted enthusiasms, and a general habit of skimming.

Man differs from the animal only by a little; most men throw that little away.

Man differs from the animal only by a little; most men throw that little away.

The nature of a society is largely determined by the direction in which talent and ambition flow--by the tilt of read more

The nature of a society is largely determined by the direction in which talent and ambition flow--by the tilt of the social landscape.

Never soar aloft on an enemy's pinions.

Never soar aloft on an enemy's pinions.

...in the shaping of a life, chance and the ability to respond to chance are everything.

...in the shaping of a life, chance and the ability to respond to chance are everything.