the fateful equating of power with violence, of the political with government, and of government with a necessary evil has begun.

The good things in history are usually of very short duration, but afterward have a decisive influence on what happens over long periods of time.

To think and to be fully alive are the same.

Truthfulness has never been counted among the political virtues, and lies have always been regarded as justifiable tools in political dealings.

There always comes a point beyond which lying becomes counterproductive. This point is reached when the audience to which the lies are addressed is forced to disregard altogether the distinguishing line between truth and falsehood in order to be able to survive.

Generally speaking, violence always arises out of impotence. It is the hope of those who have no power.

The new always happens against the overwhelming odds of statistical laws and their probability, which for all practical, everyday purposes amounts to certainty; the new therefore always appears in the guise of a miracle.