wonderful timeless quotes

[historian]

from Bertrand Russel the british philosopher.
Democracy is the process by which people choose the man who'll get the blame.
I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong.
If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have a paradise in a few years.
n America everybody is of the opinion that he has no social superiors, since all men are equal, but he does not admit that he has no social inferiors, for, from the time of Jefferson onward, the doctrine that all men are equal applies only upwards, not downwards.
and in honor of our venerable leader
Many people would sooner die than think; in fact, they do so.
By the way to those who are interested Russell caused quite a stir when he denied God (or christianity im not quite sure at the moment) but he wrote a wonderful book called Why Im Not a Christian. Its not an insutling book for those of you who believe, but it expose the hypocrisy behind those who would be christians and make sure everyone knows it!

[zanne]

1. My favorite Bertrand Russell quote...

"All movements go too far". Eventually, they do.

[monarch]

2. Very thought provoking!

I especially liked the one about people desiring the unhappiness of others. It seems to have particular relevance to a certain "religious" bunch.

[mediaman007]

3. As long as we're on the topic: "American Character;" try this one:

"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." — H. L. Mencken

-- Baltimore Evening Sun, July 26, 1920

I saw at DU earlier and couldn't pass it up! Its my sig line when I write to FREEPers.

[historian]

4. thanks a lot

I wasnt aware of that quote. Its interesting though isnt it to read toqueville and his analysis of america to find that nothing much has really changed.