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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A system in which the two great commandments were, to hate your
neighbour and to love your neighbour's wife.
A system in which the two great commandments were, to hate your
neighbour and to love your neighbour's wife.
Historical knowledge is indispensable for those who want to build a better world.
Historical knowledge is indispensable for those who want to build a better world.
Glory is largely a theatrical concept. There is no striving for glory without a vivid awareness of an audience.
Glory is largely a theatrical concept. There is no striving for glory without a vivid awareness of an audience.
Delay is ever fatal to those who are prepared.
Delay is ever fatal to those who are prepared.
The noisy and extensive scene of crowds without company, and
dissipation without pleasure.
The noisy and extensive scene of crowds without company, and
dissipation without pleasure.
The Don Quixote of one generation may live to hear himself called
the savior of society by the next.
The Don Quixote of one generation may live to hear himself called
the savior of society by the next.
Man is a luxury loving animal. Take away play, fancies, and luxuries, and you will turn man into a dull, read more
Man is a luxury loving animal. Take away play, fancies, and luxuries, and you will turn man into a dull, sluggish creature, barely energetic enough to obtain a bare subsistence. A society becomes stagnant when its people are too rational or too serious to be tempted by baubles.
Society is like a large piece of frozen water; and skating well
is the great art of social life.
Society is like a large piece of frozen water; and skating well
is the great art of social life.
