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

June 16, 2025
00:51
Do not believe those who say they have voluntarily relinquished power and position for love of peace and quiet.
August 26, 2025
Tell no one anything you want kept secret, for there are many things that move men to gossip.
July 15, 2025
[To one of her hotel housekeepers] Only the little people pay taxes.
Page 25 of 124