Quotes Library

April 25, 2025

Government…is simply not the channel through which men’s noblest impulses are to be realized. Its task, on the contrary, is largely to see to it that the ignoble ones are kept under restraint and not permitted to go too far.

George Kennan (1904–2005), American diplomat, historian. Around the Cragged Hill (1993), Jay p.203

Did you come to elective office to do good, or to do well? Have you sacrificed the former in the interest of the latter? Do you think Kennan read The Federalist as a student?

If you want to pursue a noble human impulse, join the NGO of your choice. *non-government organization.


More Quotes

February 27, 2025
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
January 17, 2025
One final tip to rebels: always have a second profession in reserve.
March 5, 2025
If all mankind minus one were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion
Page 20 of 123