WIST Quotations

Bell, Daniel -- The End of Ideology, Introduction (1961 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 14:40:31 +0000

A society is most vigorous, and appealing, when both partisan and critic are legitimate voices in the permanent dialogue that is the testing of ideas and experience. One can be a critic of one’s country without being an enemy of its promise.

Daniel Bell (1919–2011) American sociologist, writer, editor, academic
The End of Ideology, Introduction (1961 ed.)

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- “Nature,” Essays: Second Series (1844)

Dave — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 20:07:17 +0000

Great causes are never tried on their merits; but the cause is reduced to particulars to suit the size of the partisans, and the contention is ever hottest on minor matters.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
“Nature,” Essays: Second Series (1844)

Arendt, Hannah -- Origins of Totalitarianism, Part 3, ch. 10 “A Classless Society,” sec. 1 (1951)

Dave — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 19:55:34 +0000

The disturbing factor in the success of totalitarianism is rather the true selflessness of its adherents: it may be understandable that a Nazi or Bolshevik will not be shaken in his conviction by crimes against people who do not belong to the movement or are even hostile to it; but the amazing fact is that neither is he likely to waver when the monster begins to devour its own children, and not even if he becomes a victim of persecution himself, if he is framed and condemned, if he is purged from the party and sent to a forced-labor or concentration camp. On the contrary, to the wonder of the whole civilized world, he may even be willing to help in his own prosecution and frame his own death sentence if only his status as a member of the movement is not touched.

Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) German-American philosopher, political theorist
Origins of Totalitarianism, Part 3, ch. 10 “A Classless Society,” sec. 1 (1951)

See Buchner (1835).

Hayes, Rutherford -- Inaugural address (5 Mar 1877)

Dave — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 21:48:03 +0000

He serves his party best who serves the country best.

Rutherford B. Hayes (1822–1893) American attorney, soldier, politician, US President (1877–81)
Inaugural address (5 Mar 1877)

Addison, Joseph -- Essay (1711-12-08), The Spectator, No. 243

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

A man must be excessively stupid, as well as uncharitable, who believes that there is no virtue but on his own side, and that there are not men as honest as himself who may differ from him in political principles.

Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English essayist, poet, statesman
Essay (1711-12-08), The Spectator, No. 243