We must think of human progress, not as of something going on in the race in general, but as something going on in a small minority, perpetually beleaguered in a few walled towns. Now and then the horde of barbarians outside breaks through, and we have an armed effort to halt the process. That is, we have a Reformation, a French Revolution, a war for democracy, a Great Awakening. The minority is decimated and driven to cover. But a few survive- and a few are enough to carry on.
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The criterion of truth is that it works even if nobody is prepared to acknowledge it.
The criterion of truth is that it works even if nobody is prepared to acknowledge it.
Conceal a flaw, and the world will imagine the worst.
Conceal a flaw, and the world will imagine the worst.
The classes and the masses.
The classes and the masses.
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.
Stupidity is the devil. Look in the eye of a chicken and you'll know. It's the most horrifying, cannibalistic, and read more
Stupidity is the devil. Look in the eye of a chicken and you'll know. It's the most horrifying, cannibalistic, and nightmarish creature in this world.
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.
Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious.
Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious.
What one generation sees as a luxury, the next sees as a necessity.
What one generation sees as a luxury, the next sees as a necessity.
I find it valid to understand man as an animal before I am prepared to know him as a man.
I find it valid to understand man as an animal before I am prepared to know him as a man.
