Off goes the head of the king, and tyranny gives way to freedom. The change seems abysmal. Then, bit by bit, the face of freedom hardens, and by and by it is the old face of tyranny. Then another cycle, and another. But under the play of all these opposites there is something fundamental and permanent – the basic delusion that men may be governed and yet be free. H.l. Mencken
About This Quote

I believe that a leader who is a good judge of character can shape the country’s future. It is this ability to predict the future that gives leaders the opportunity to create a government that is based on justice and liberty. They can choose their people wisely, surround themselves with intelligent, patriotic people who will strive to make the country better. As long as people are unwilling to govern themselves, then there will always be tyrants.

There will always be those who would rather rule than live under the rule of others. If they do not want to live under others they will seek out an individual who is willing to rule over them.

Source: The American Credo: A Contribution Toward The Interpretation Of The National Mind

Some Similar Quotes
  1. It’s probably not just by chance that I’m alone. It would be very hard for a man to live with me, unless he’s terribly strong. And if he’s stronger than I, I’m the one who can’t live with him. … I’m neither smart nor stupid,... - Coco Chanel

  2. I am not an angel, ' I asserted; 'and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself. Mr. Rochester, you must neither expect nor exact anything celestial of me - for you will not get it, any more than I shall... - Unknown

  3. The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and effort, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad petty little unsexy ways, every day. - David Foster Wallace

  4. They say a good love is one that sits you down, gives you a drink of water, and pats you on top of the head. But I say a good love is one that casts you into the wind, sets you ablaze, makes you burn... - C. Joybell C.

  5. Keep your best wishes, close to your heart and watch what happens - Tony Deliso

More Quotes By H.l. Mencken
  1. Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.

  2. Happiness is the china shop love is the bull.

  3. You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth.

  4. The older I grow, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.

  5. An idealist is one who, on noticing that a rose smells better than a cabbage, concludes that it makes a better soup.

Related Topics