Idealism, alas, does not protect one from ignorance, dogmatism, and foolishness.
Fear of death has been the greatest ally of tyranny past and present.
To serve the public interest is not the same as being a servant of public opinion.
If one shoots at a king, one must not miss.
The next time anyone asks you "What is Bertrand Russell's philosophy?" the correct answer is "What year, please?"
The easiest rationalization for the refusal to seek the truth is the denial that truth exists.