The conception that government should be guided by majority opinion makes sense only if that opinion is independent of government. The ideal of democracy rests on the belief that the view which will direct government emerges from an independent and spontaneous process. It requires, therefore, the existence of a large sphere independent of majority control in which the opinions of the individuals are formed.
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The more corrupt the State the more numerous the laws.
The more corrupt the State the more numerous the laws.
If "everybody knows" such-and-such, then it ain't so, by at least ten thousand to one.
If "everybody knows" such-and-such, then it ain't so, by at least ten thousand to one.
This I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. read more
This I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world. And this I would fight for: the freedom of the mind to take any direction it wishes, undirected. And this I must fight against: any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual.
Fascism is capitalism in decay.
Fascism is capitalism in decay.
It is all very well to talk about being the captain of your soul. It is hard, and only a read more
It is all very well to talk about being the captain of your soul. It is hard, and only a few heroes, saints, and geniuses have been the captains of their souls for any extended period of their lives. Most men, after a little freedom, have preferred authority with the consoling assurances and the economy of effort which it brings.
..the Bill of Rights does not come from the people and is not subject to change by majorities. It comes read more
..the Bill of Rights does not come from the people and is not subject to change by majorities. It comes from the nature of things. It declares the inalienable rights of man not only against all government but also against the people collectively.
Because we can expect future generations to be richer than we are, no matter what we do about resources, asking read more
Because we can expect future generations to be richer than we are, no matter what we do about resources, asking us to refrain from using resources now so that future generations can have them later is like asking the poor to make gifts to the rich.
A war for a great principle ennobles a nation.
A war for a great principle ennobles a nation.
If you are to stand up for your Government you must be able to stand up to your Government.
If you are to stand up for your Government you must be able to stand up to your Government.
