The fundamental difference between the liberal and the illiberal outlook is that the former regards all questions as open to discussion and all opinions as open to a greater or lesser measure of doubt, while the latter holds in advance that certain opinions are absolutely unquestionable, and that no argument against them must be allowed be heard. What is curious about this position is the belief that if impartial investigation were permitted it would lead men to the wrong conclusion, and that ignorance is, therefore, the only safeguard against error. This point of view cannot be accepted by any man who wishes reason rather than prejudice to govern human action.
-Bertrand Russell, “Freedom and the Colleges,” The American Mercury, May 1940, pp. 24-33.
Tag: Quotes
Livy on the Study of History
The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through, to avoid.
–Livy, The History of Rome, Book 31
Everyone Must Act According to the Dictates of His Own Reason
“Everyone must act according to the dictates of his own reason, and mine tells me that civil powers alone have been given to the President of the United States, and no authority to direct the religious exercises of his constituents.”
-Thomas Jefferson, Letter to Rev. Samuel Miller, January 23, 1808
I Believe In Getting Into Hot Water . . .
“I believe in getting into hot water. It keeps you clean.”
– G.K. Chesterton (attributed)
This excellent quote is widely attributed to novelist G.K. Chesterton, though I could not find a definitive citation in any of Chesterton’s works to this phrase).
Only Three Things Cannot Be Long Hidden
Only three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
What a beautiful quote. This is typically attributed to Buddha, but that apparently arose from Lisa See’s 2014 novel China Dolls. See opens her book with that quotation, which she incorrectly attributes to Buddha.
Nietzsche on The State
“The state lieth in all languages of good and evil; and whatever it saith it lieth; and whatever it hath it hath stolen.”
-Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathrusa