While rationalism at the individual level is a plea for more personal autonomy from cultural norms, at the social level read more

While rationalism at the individual level is a plea for more personal autonomy from cultural norms, at the social level it is often a claim- or arrogation- of power to stifle the autonomy of others.

A democratic despotism is like a theocracy: it assumes its own correctness.

A democratic despotism is like a theocracy: it assumes its own correctness.

"What freedom does a starving man have?" The answer is that starvation is a tragic human condition- perhaps more tragic read more

"What freedom does a starving man have?" The answer is that starvation is a tragic human condition- perhaps more tragic than loss of freedom. That does not prevent these from being two different things.

The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like read more

The idea that you can merchandise candidates for high office like breakfast cereal - that you can gather votes like box tops - is, I think, the ultimate indignity to the democratic process.

In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.

In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.

The object and practice of liberty lies in the limitation of governmental power.

The object and practice of liberty lies in the limitation of governmental power.

Property is a central economic institution of any society, and private property is the central institution of a free society.

Property is a central economic institution of any society, and private property is the central institution of a free society.

My father was a minister. I had to make up for the lack of sin.

My father was a minister. I had to make up for the lack of sin.

Politics is a profession; a serious, complicated and, in its true sense, a noble one.

Politics is a profession; a serious, complicated and, in its true sense, a noble one.