Quotes Library

April 16, 2025

To knock a thing down, especially if it is cocked at an arrogant angle, is a deep delight of the blood.

George Santayana, 1863-1962, Spanish-born American philosopher, The Portable Curmudgeon, Jon Winokur, ed. (New York: 1987), p.8

Which things, cocked at the angle here specified, would you most enjoy knocking down?

The watchword is caution! If possible, leave no fingerprints. The depth of delight is doubled if the knocked-down party knows not whom to blame!


More Quotes

April 20, 2025
The secret of the demagogue is to make himself as stupid as his audience so that they believe they are as clever as he.
August 11, 2025
We are here to consult the interests and not to obey the will of the people, if we honestly believe that will conflicts with those interests.
March 1, 2025
00:38
…considering the imbecility of human judgment and the difficulty of choice in new and doubtful things…it is much easier and pleasanter to follow than to guide [others].
Page 101 of 122