Aside from the word “democratic,” which is ever and rightfully open for attack, this quote stirred something crazy in me. A friend sent it yesterday and I have been thinking about it ever since:
“The fact is that the average man’s love of liberty is nine-tenths imaginary, exactly like his love of sense, justice and truth. He is not actually happy when free; he is uncomfortable, a bit alarmed, and intolerably lonely. Liberty is not a thing for the great masses of men. It is the exclusive possession of a small and disreputable minority, like knowledge, courage and honor. It takes a special sort of man to understand and enjoy liberty – and he is usually an outlaw in democratic societies.”
— H.L. Mencken Continue reading “Mencken”