If, as I believe, the ends of men are many, and not all of them are in principle compatible with each other, then the possibility of conflict - and of tragedy - can never wholly be eliminated from human life, either personal or social. The necessity of choosing between absolute claims is then an inescapable characteristic of the human condition. This gives its value to freedom as Acton conceived of it - as an end in itself, and not as a temporary need, arising out of our confused notions and irrational and disordered lives, a predicament which a panacea could one day put right.
Isaiah BerlinFew new truths have ever won their way against the resistance of established ideas save by being overstated.
Isaiah BerlinOne must look at what impiety hates, what puts it in a rage, what it attacks always, everywhere, and with fury - that will be the truth.
Isaiah BerlinThe desire not to be impinged upon, to be left to oneself, has been the markof high civilisation both on the part of individuals and communities.
Isaiah Berlin