You May Also Like / View all maxioms
Rousseau had it backwards. We are NOT born free. We are born in the chains of the random and the read more
Rousseau had it backwards. We are NOT born free. We are born in the chains of the random and the reflexive, and are ignorant and unreasonable by simple nature. We must learn to be free, to organize the random and detect the reflexive, to acquire the knowledge of particulars and the powers of reason. The examined life is impossible if we cannot examine, order, classify, define, distinguish, always in minute particulars.
Now since man is naturally inclined to avoid pain- and since labor is pain in itself- it follows that men read more
Now since man is naturally inclined to avoid pain- and since labor is pain in itself- it follows that men will resort to plunder whenever plunder is easier than work. History shows this quite clearly. And under these conditions, neither religion nor morality can stop it.When, then, does plunder stop? It stops when it becomes more painful and more dangerous than labor.It is evident, then, that the proper purpose of law is to use the power of its collective force to stop this fatal tendency to plunder instead of to work. All the measures of the law should protect property and punish plunder.
The better part of statesmanship might be to know clearly and precisely what not to do.
The better part of statesmanship might be to know clearly and precisely what not to do.
A family on the throne is an interesting idea. It brings down the pride of sovereignty to the level of read more
A family on the throne is an interesting idea. It brings down the pride of sovereignty to the level of petty life.
All I ask is equal freedom. When it is denied, as it always is, I take it anyhow.
All I ask is equal freedom. When it is denied, as it always is, I take it anyhow.
Individuality is freedom lived.
Individuality is freedom lived.
Individuality is the aim of political liberty. By leaving the citizen as much freedom of action and of being as read more
Individuality is the aim of political liberty. By leaving the citizen as much freedom of action and of being as comports with order and the rights of others, the institutions render him truly a freeman. He is left to pursue his means of happiness in his own manner.
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.
If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve. - On the request that he accept the read more
If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve. - On the request that he accept the Republican presidential nomination.