The Second Amendment reveals a profound principle of American government - the principle of civilian ascendency over the military.
William O. DouglasThe Constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of people.
William O. DouglasI've often thought that if planners were botanists, zoologists, geologists, and people who know about the earth, we would have much more wisdom in such planning than we have when we leave it to the engineers.
William O. DouglasThe thrill of tramping alone and unafraid through a wilderness of lakes, creeks, alpine meadows, and glaciers is not known to many. A civilization can be built around the machine but it is doubtful that a meaningful life can be produced by it.... When man worships at the feet of avalas creations. When he feels the wind blowing through him on a high peak or sleeps under a closely matted white bark pine in an exposed basin, he is apt to find his relationship to the universe.
William O. Douglas