We consider ourselves to be free because no one in our society is allowed unlimited powerno leader, faction, party or 'class', no majority, no government, church, corporation, trade, or professional association or trade union. The secret of its freedom is that it is composed of a multitude of organisations in the constitution of the best of which is reproduced that diffusion of power which is characteristic of the whole.
Michael Joseph OakeshottTo try to do something which is inherently impossible is always a corrupting enterprise.
Michael Joseph OakeshottA recorded past is no more than a bygone present composed of the footprints made by human beings actually going somewhere but not knowing (in any extended sense), and certainly not revealing to us, how, they came to be afoot on these particular journeys.
Michael Joseph OakeshottThe man of conservative temperament believes that a known good is not lightly to be surrendered for an unknown better.
Michael Joseph Oakeshott