The mistakes (of leaders) are amplified by the numbers who follow them without question. Charismatic leaders tend to build up followings, power structures and these power structures tend to be taken over by people who are corruptible. I don't think that the old saw about 'power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely' is accurate: I think power attracts the corruptible.

I now believe that evolution, or deevolution, never ends short of death, that no society has ever achieved an absolute pinnacle, that all humans are not created equal. In fact, I believe attempts to create some abstract equalization create a morass of injustices that rebound on the equalizers. Equal justice and equal opportunity are ideals we should seek, but we should recognize that humans administer the ideals and that humans do not have equal ability.

I have no fear, for fear is the little death that kills me over and over. Without fear, I die but once.

The young reed dies so easily. Beginnings are times of great peril.

Laws to suppress tend to strengthen what they would prohibit.

The singular multiplicity of this universe draws my deepest attention. It is a thing of ultimate beauty. Leto II

When law and duty are one, united by religion, you never become fully conscious, fully aware of yourself. You are always a little less than an individual.