At least one way of measuring the freedom of any society is the amount of comedy that is permitted, and read more

At least one way of measuring the freedom of any society is the amount of comedy that is permitted, and clearly a healthy society permits more satirical comment than a repressive, so that if comedy is to function in some way as a safety release then it must obviously deal with these taboo areas. This is part of the responsibility we accord our licensed jesters, that nothing be excused the searching light of comedy. If anything can survive the probe of humour it is clearly of value, and conversely all groups who claim immunity from laughter are claiming special privileges which should not be granted.

I have discovered the art of deceiving diplomats. I speak the truth, and they never believe me.

I have discovered the art of deceiving diplomats. I speak the truth, and they never believe me.

Democracy: In which you say what you like and do what you're told.

Democracy: In which you say what you like and do what you're told.

He too serves a certain purpose who only stands and cheers.

He too serves a certain purpose who only stands and cheers.

We have a solution for war. It is to expand the sphere of liberty.

We have a solution for war. It is to expand the sphere of liberty.

The "private sector" of the economy is, in fact, the voluntary sector; and...the "public sector" is, in fact, the coercive read more

The "private sector" of the economy is, in fact, the voluntary sector; and...the "public sector" is, in fact, the coercive sector.

Given that some social processes must convey inherent constraints, the choice is among various mixtures of persuasion, force, and cultural read more

Given that some social processes must convey inherent constraints, the choice is among various mixtures of persuasion, force, and cultural inducement. The less of one, the more of the others. The degree of freedom that is possible is therefore tied to the extent to which people respond to persuasion or inducement.

I have impeached myself by resigning.

I have impeached myself by resigning.

The function of socialism is to raise suffering to a higher level.

The function of socialism is to raise suffering to a higher level.