Lewis H. Lapham, editor and writer

A society that presumes a norm of violence and celebrates aggression, whether in the subway, on the football field, or in the conduct of its business, cannot help making celebrities of the people who would destroy it. -Lewis H. Lapham, editor and writer (1935- )

Are we making celebrities of the people who would destroy our society? I think the answer is yes, but I don't think these celebrities are people of violence, but rather pop singers, movie stars, and basketball players. (These last are only a little bit violent.)

Yahia Lababidi, writer

Snakes and ladders: the game of organized religions. -Yahia Lababidi, writer (b. 1973)

The cynic speaks, a man without distinctions.

Henry Ford

"A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business." -- Henry Ford

A true saying, but probably the most striking thing about it is the author.

Stephen MacKenna

To have no set purpose in one's life is the harlotry of the will. -- Stephen MacKenna

This is true, but it is a mistake to think that one can simply decide for oneself what his or her purpose in life will be. To decide on the wrong purpose is the idolatry of the will.

Edith Wharton, novelist (1862-1937)

As the pain that can be told is but half a pain, so the pity that questions has little healing in its touch. -Edith Wharton, novelist (1862-1937)

I agree with both assertions.

Charles Darwin

The difference in mind between man and the higher animals, great as it is, certainly is one of degree and not of kind. -Charles Darwin, naturalist and author (1809-1882)

This can only be an expression of opinion, hinted at by the use of the word certainly, but because of the author's stature it is likely to taken as a statement of scientific fact.

Sydney J. Harris, journalist and author (1917-1986)

Patriotism is proud of a country's virtues and eager to correct its deficiencies; it also acknowledges the legitimate patriotism of other countries, with their own specific virtues. The pride of nationalism, however, trumpets its country's virtues and denies its deficiencies, while it is contemptuous toward the virtues of other countries. It wants to be, and proclaims itself to be, "the greatest", but greatness is not required of a country; only goodness is. -Sydney J. Harris, journalist and author (1917-1986)

This is very good, except that it unnecessarily, and incorrectly, disparages nationalism, which is not by definition proud.