WIST Quotations

Cooper, James Fenimore -- “Individuality,” The American Democrat (1838)

Dave — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:50:55 +0000

Individuality is the aim of political liberty. By leaving to the citizen as much freedom of action and of being, as comports with order and the rights of others, the institutions render him truly a freeman. He is left to pursue his means of happiness in his own manner.

James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) American novelist
“Individuality,” The American Democrat (1838)

Cooper, James Fenimore -- “On the Disadvantages of Democracy,” The American Democrat (1838)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

The tendency of democracies is, in all things, to mediocrity.

James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) American novelist
“On the Disadvantages of Democracy,” The American Democrat (1838)

Cooper, James Fenimore -- “On the Disadvantages of Democracy,” The American Democrat (1838)

Dave — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:30:23 +0000

It is the besetting vice of democracies to substitute public opinion for law. This is the usual form in which masses of men exhibit their tyranny.

James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) American novelist
“On the Disadvantages of Democracy,” The American Democrat (1838)

Cooper, James Fenimore -- “On the Press,” The American Democrat (1838)

Dave — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:16:43 +0000

The press, like fire, is an excellent servant, but a terrible master.

James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) American novelist
“On the Press,” The American Democrat (1838)

Cooper, James Fenimore -- The American Democrat (1838)

Dave — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 16:55:52 +0000

A refined simplicity is the characteristic of all high bred deportment, in every country.

James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) American novelist
The American Democrat (1838)

Cooper, James Fenimore -- The American Democrat, Introduction (1838)

Dave — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:46:37 +0000

Power always has most to apprehend from its own illusions.

James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851) American novelist
The American Democrat, Introduction (1838)

"Apprehend" here meaning "fear".