Notable Quotable 117

Oct 04, 2023

More proof, which we shouldn't need at this point, that there are 3 systems of justice in America: one for those who can't afford an attorney, one for those who can, and one for those who don't need one cuz they own the system and can't be charged with any crime no matter how egregious.

- Derek T

The mere omission (let alone contempt) of the great Being in any human endeavour brands it with an irrevocable anathema. Either every imaginable institution is founded on a religious concept or it is only a passing phenomenon. Institutions are strong and durable to the degree that they are, so to speak, deified. Not only is human reason, or what is ignorantly called philosophy, incapable of supplying these foundations, which with equal ignorance are called superstitious, but philosophy is, on the contrary, an essentially disruptive force... When we reflect on the attested facts of all history, when we understand that in the chain of human institutions, from those that have marked the great turning points in history down to the smallest social organization, from empires down to brotherhoods, all have a divine foundation, and that human power, whenever it isolates itself, can only give its works a false and passing existence...

- Joseph de Maistre

If we imagine a technologically advanced Brave New World in which mankind has forgotten his religious heritage and historical tradition—and therefore has no basis for interpreting his own life in moral terms—that would be the end of mankind. It is most unlikely that mankind, deprived of its historical consciousness and religious tradition because they are technologically useless, would be able to live peacefully, satisfied with his achievements. In fact, I would expect the opposite, since it is in the very constitution of humanity that our wants have no definite limits. They can grow indefinitely in an endless spiral of greed.

- Leszek Kołakowski

Accomplishments don’t erase shame, hatred, cruelty, silence, ignorance, discrimination, low self-esteem or immorality. It covers it up, with a creative version of pride and ego.

- Shannon L. Alder

Peace of mind comes from not wanting to change others.

- Gerald G. Jampolsky

Strike.Me

Buy Me a Coffee

The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.

- John F. Kennedy

The illusion of freedom will continue as long as it’s profitable to continue the illusion. At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain, they will just take down the scenery, they will pull back the curtains, they will move the tables and chairs out of the way and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theater.

- Frank Zappa

Never give up on your heart in your struggle for peace, decency, and telling the truth.

- Oliver Stone

It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.

- Arthur Schopenhauer

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson