The measure of a civilization is in the courage, not of its soldiers, but of its bystanders.

Decisions are always made with insufficient information. If you really knew what was going on, the decision would make itself.

The problem is that too often the only people who can act don't want change. Power doesn't so much corrupt as it breeds conservatism.

Throughout our long and sorry history it has been men who supposed themselves to be exemplars of integrity who have done all the damage. Every crusade, whether for decent literary standards or to cover women's bodies or to free the holy land, had been launched, endorsed, and enthusiastically perpetrated by men of character.

So we have progressed to the point where we can move politicians around faster than light. I'm not sure I see the advantage.

Somewhere we taught ourselves that our opinions are more significant than the facts. And somehow we get our egos and our opinions and Truth all mixed up in a single package, so that when something does challenge one of the notions to which we subscribe, we react as if it challenges us.

If you want creative and successful children, resign yourself to jousting with rebels.