H. L. Mencken

The only kind of freedom that the mob can imagine is freedom to annoy and oppress its betters, and that read more

The only kind of freedom that the mob can imagine is freedom to annoy and oppress its betters, and that is precisely the kind that we mainly have.

We must think of human progress, not as of something going on in the race in general, but as something read more

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.

It doesn't take a majority to make a rebellion; it takes only a few determined leaders and a sound cause.

It doesn't take a majority to make a rebellion; it takes only a few determined leaders and a sound cause.

The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is that the latter regrets a discreditable act, even read more

The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is that the latter regrets a discreditable act, even when it has worked and he has not been caught.

Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.

Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.