'In order to keep their lands secure, some princes have disarmed their subjects; others have prompted division within the cities they have subjugated. Some have nurtured animosities against themselves; others have sought to win the approval of those they initially distrusted. Some have erected fortresses; others have destroyed them. Now, although it is impossible to set down definite judgments on all of these measures without considering the particular circumstances of the states where they may be employed, I shall nevertheless discuss them in such broad terms as the subject itself may allow.'
- Machiavelli, Niccolo, 'The Prince'
' "I know a planet where there is a certain red-faced gentleman. He has never smelled a flower. He has never looked at a star. He has never loved anyone. He has never done anything in his life but add up figures. And all day he says over and over, just like you: 'I am busy with matters of consequence!' And that makes him swell up with pride. But he is not a a man - he is a mushroom!"
"A what?"
"A mushroom!"
The little prince was now white with rage. '
- de Saint-Exupéry, Antoine, 'The Little Prince'
' I suppose there are varying degrees of wacko.'
- Winn, Mqurice, 'You May Have Already Won A Valuable Prize' - #reply-16755768 |
