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

July 10, 2025
The magistrate ought definitely to bear in mind that he represents the state.
March 19, 2025
Simplicity rarely loses to complexity in battles in the public square.
May 24, 2025
Alcohol is a very necessary article. It enables Parliament to do things at eleven at night
Page 67 of 123