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

April 3, 2025
00:42
The Press, my Lords, is one of our great out-sentries; if we remove it, if we hoodwink it
June 28, 2025
Distrust all those who love you extremely upon a very slight acquaintance and without any visible reason.
September 28, 2025
The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.
Page 34 of 123