"If we cannot learn, if the only effect upon us of the presence of the dynamiter in our midst is to make us multiply punishments, invent restrictions, increase the number of our official spies, forbid public meetings, interfere with the press, put up gratings -- as in one country they propose to do -- in our House of Commons, scrutinize visitors under official microscopes, request them, as at Vienna, and I think now at Paris also, to be good enough to leave their greatcoats in the vestibules ... I venture to prophesy that there lies before us a bitter and an evil time."
by:
Auberon Herbert
(1838-1906) English writer, theorist, philosopher, 19th century individualist, member of the Parliament of the U.K.
Source:
"The Ethics of Dynamite", Contemporary Review, May 1894; reproduced in The Right and Wrong of Compulsion by the State, and Other Essays by Auberon Herbert (Indianapolis: Liberty Classics, 1978), p. 226
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Reader comments about this quote:
Hmmm....interesting.A little wordy but interesting.
 -- KS., Somewhere,USA.     
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    I sadly agree.
     -- Me Again     
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    I guess he is saying that what is to be learned is to bend to the wishes of the radicals and terrorists and bomb throwers.
     -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas     
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    In a non-representative republic, the government's over legislation and enforcement leads the hearts and minds of its parishioners to a hellish, harsh, and self destructive state.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    This quote is so good. You either believe in the risk of liberty or the safety of servitude. The ruling class always wants us to live like cowards.
     -- E Archer, NYC     
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    The majority has not learned, history is repeating itself.
     -- Mike, Norwalk     
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    How prophetic!
     -- Robken     
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    The last sentence pretty well sums up the situation in America at this time.
     -- jim k, Austin, Tx     
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     -- Mary - MI      
    Dam, everyone sure this is not someone living today?? Well, most of us KNOW who our enemy is, at least we are aware.
     -- Kimo, USA     
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    Prophetic.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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    Leave their greatcoats in the vestibule. As our forefathers Declared with a Ready Mind. And Acted upon their sound reason of Deep Conviction, seated firmly in/upon Facts at Natural laws ordained by no other than God Himself. CALL NO MAN COMMON OR UNCLEAN ! Little is the fight, if not worth the Blow !
     -- Ronw13, Yachats OR     
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    Herbert could be introducing tonight's news!


     -- Tony, Sandpoint     
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