It is a governing principle of nature, that the agency which can produce most good, when perverted from its proper aim, is most productive of evil. It behooves the well-intentioned, therefore, vigorously to watch the tendency of even their most highly prized institutions, since that which was established in the interests of the right, may so easily become the agent of the wrong.
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...it is always from a minority acting in ways different from what the majority would prescribe that the majority in read more
...it is always from a minority acting in ways different from what the majority would prescribe that the majority in the end learns to do better.
Civilized ages inherit the human nature which was victorious in barbarous ages, and that nature is, in many respects, not read more
Civilized ages inherit the human nature which was victorious in barbarous ages, and that nature is, in many respects, not at all suited to civilized circumstances.
Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it by hiding
Society is a masked ball, where every one hides his real character, and reveals it by hiding
That is the whole trouble with being a heretic. One usually must think out everything for oneself.
That is the whole trouble with being a heretic. One usually must think out everything for oneself.
We have no claim to share in the glory of our ancestors unless we strive to resemble them.
We have no claim to share in the glory of our ancestors unless we strive to resemble them.
I have steadily endeavored to keep my mind free so as to give up any hypothesis, however much beloved (and read more
I have steadily endeavored to keep my mind free so as to give up any hypothesis, however much beloved (and I cannot resist forming one on every subject), as soon as the facts are shown to be opposed to it.
A doctrine insulates the devout not only against the realities around them but also against their own selves. The fanatical read more
A doctrine insulates the devout not only against the realities around them but also against their own selves. The fanatical believer is not conscious of his envy, malice, pettiness and dishonesty. There is a wall of words between his consciousness and his real self.
Man is the animal that intends to shoot himself out into interplanetary space, after having given up on the problem read more
Man is the animal that intends to shoot himself out into interplanetary space, after having given up on the problem of an efficient way to get himself five miles to work and back each day.
You can only cure retail but you can prevent wholesale.
You can only cure retail but you can prevent wholesale.
