Except in the sacred texts of democracy and in the incantations of orators, we hardly take the trouble to pretend read more

Except in the sacred texts of democracy and in the incantations of orators, we hardly take the trouble to pretend that the rule of the majority is not at bottom a rule of force. What other virtue can there be in fifty-one percent except the brute fact that fifty-one is more than forty-nine? The rule of fifty-one per cent is a convenience, it is for certain matters a satisfactory political device, it is for others the lesser of two evils, and for others it is acceptable because we do not know any less troublesome method of obtaining a political decision. But it may easily become an absurd tyranny if we regard it worshipfully, as though it were more than a political device. We have lost all sense of its true meaning when we imagine that the opinion of fifty-one per cent is in some high fashion the true opinion of the whole hundred per cent, or indulge in the sophistry that the rule of a majority is based upon the ultimate equality of man.

Where things have not changed at all, there is the least likelihood of revolution.

Where things have not changed at all, there is the least likelihood of revolution.

All leaders strive to turn their followers into children.

All leaders strive to turn their followers into children.

...we are apt to forget that the vast majority of men and women who fell under the totalitarian spell was read more

...we are apt to forget that the vast majority of men and women who fell under the totalitarian spell was activated by unselfish motives, ready to accept the role of martyr or executioner, as the cause demanded.

The nearest approach to immortality on earth is a government bureau.

The nearest approach to immortality on earth is a government bureau.

Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.

Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.

All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small read more

All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field.

Fortunately for themselves and for the world, nearly all men are cowards and dare not act on what they believe. read more

Fortunately for themselves and for the world, nearly all men are cowards and dare not act on what they believe. Nearly all our disasters come of a few fools having the "courage of their convictions.".

I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.

I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.