WIST

For any exam in history, here is the answer: all human history is the struggle between systems that attempt to shackle the human personality in the name of some intangible good on the one hand and systems that enable and expand the scope of human personality in the pursuit of extremely tangible aims. The American system is the most successful in the world because it harmonizes best with the aims and longings of human personality while allowing the best protection to other personalities.

Ben Stein (b. 1944) American actor, lawyer, economist, political writer [Benjamin Jeremy Stein]
“How to Ace an Exam,” The American Spectator (15 Dec 2004)
Full text.

The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.

Ben Stein (b. 1944) American actor, lawyer, economist, political writer [Benjamin Jeremy Stein]
(Attributed)