The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.
George Bernard Shaw
Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.
Socrates
The wisdom of the wise. the experience of the ages, are perpetuated by quotations.
Disraeli
This is Volume 9 of Golden Moments, the condensed wisdom and folly of humankind from around the world and over the centuries. There are many illustrations among the 100 quotations, and a few funny fillers to give your brain a rest.
Each golden moment is an essence, a completeness, and great brain food. Read them in order if you like, or go Zen---quickly look at the possibilities and pick what grabs you. The interconnections emerge organically.
I’ve carefully mined these golden moments over my long life. If your judgment, taste, sense of humor, and belief systems are similar to mine you will love them. If not, read them anyway and expand what you can think, feel, become. I’m a cynical, free speech libertarian who laughs a lot and is a little crazy.
Old Man and a Young Woman wish to remain anonymous: He has lived a full life and tried hard to be honest and open-minded. Sometimes he succeeded. He’s not much for political correctness, or the warm, self-righteous comfort of a Noble Cause. Too many Noble Lies.
She is a super-smart, foul-mouthed brat and a student at UC Berkeley majoring in philosophy and psychology. She says what she thinks and couldn’t care less if that bothers you.
1 A strong belief in the validity of their point of view is all most people have, reinforced daily by their friends and what they choose to read and watch. There is usually only a very modest knowledge of supportive and non-supportive data and logic. This causes defensiveness, arrogance, intolerance and name calling, especially when confronted with a well-presented counter argument.
Old Man
2 Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity, opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are not even capable of forming such opinions.
Albert Einstein
3 Yes, religion can be the opiate of the masses, and so can Marxism. Actually, any ideology is an opiate to the committed.
“I already have The Truth.
Don’t waste my time with lies and stupidity.”
Old Man
4 The maneuvers of an ideologue, politician, or member of an interest group:
1. When winning, be gracious, open minded, and tolerant.
2. When beginning to lose, construct a straw man and demonize the Hell out of the poor guy.
3. When your straw man is demolished, start running around in circles screaming the vilest words you can find like Racist! Sexist! Fascist! Elitist! Pedophile! Fanatic! Radical! Bigot!
4. If that doesn’t work, shut up the bastards by any means necessary.
All for the sake of our dear, dear children.
Old Man
5 From their experience or from the recorded experience of others (history), men learn only what their passions and their metaphysical prejudices allow them to learn.
Aldous Huxley
6 Serious thinkers want to have their opinions challenged by competent and forceful proponents of opposing views. Let me know if you find one.
Old Man
7 I tried being reasonable, I didn't like it.
Clint Eastwood
8 To be a bat’s a bum thing,
A silly and a dumb thing,
But at least a bat is something,
And you’re not anything at all.
Walt Disney Cartoon
9 We have to offer up scary scenarios, make simplified dramatic statements, and make little mention of any doubts we may have. We each have to decide the right balance between being honest and being effective.
People with a Noble Cause (Old Man)
George Bernard Shaw
Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.
Socrates
The wisdom of the wise. the experience of the ages, are perpetuated by quotations.
Disraeli
This is Volume 9 of Golden Moments, the condensed wisdom and folly of humankind from around the world and over the centuries. There are many illustrations among the 100 quotations, and a few funny fillers to give your brain a rest.
Each golden moment is an essence, a completeness, and great brain food. Read them in order if you like, or go Zen---quickly look at the possibilities and pick what grabs you. The interconnections emerge organically.
I’ve carefully mined these golden moments over my long life. If your judgment, taste, sense of humor, and belief systems are similar to mine you will love them. If not, read them anyway and expand what you can think, feel, become. I’m a cynical, free speech libertarian who laughs a lot and is a little crazy.
Old Man and a Young Woman wish to remain anonymous: He has lived a full life and tried hard to be honest and open-minded. Sometimes he succeeded. He’s not much for political correctness, or the warm, self-righteous comfort of a Noble Cause. Too many Noble Lies.
She is a super-smart, foul-mouthed brat and a student at UC Berkeley majoring in philosophy and psychology. She says what she thinks and couldn’t care less if that bothers you.
1 A strong belief in the validity of their point of view is all most people have, reinforced daily by their friends and what they choose to read and watch. There is usually only a very modest knowledge of supportive and non-supportive data and logic. This causes defensiveness, arrogance, intolerance and name calling, especially when confronted with a well-presented counter argument.
Old Man
2 Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity, opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are not even capable of forming such opinions.
Albert Einstein
3 Yes, religion can be the opiate of the masses, and so can Marxism. Actually, any ideology is an opiate to the committed.
“I already have The Truth.
Don’t waste my time with lies and stupidity.”
Old Man
4 The maneuvers of an ideologue, politician, or member of an interest group:
1. When winning, be gracious, open minded, and tolerant.
2. When beginning to lose, construct a straw man and demonize the Hell out of the poor guy.
3. When your straw man is demolished, start running around in circles screaming the vilest words you can find like Racist! Sexist! Fascist! Elitist! Pedophile! Fanatic! Radical! Bigot!
4. If that doesn’t work, shut up the bastards by any means necessary.
All for the sake of our dear, dear children.
Old Man
5 From their experience or from the recorded experience of others (history), men learn only what their passions and their metaphysical prejudices allow them to learn.
Aldous Huxley
6 Serious thinkers want to have their opinions challenged by competent and forceful proponents of opposing views. Let me know if you find one.
Old Man
7 I tried being reasonable, I didn't like it.
Clint Eastwood
8 To be a bat’s a bum thing,
A silly and a dumb thing,
But at least a bat is something,
And you’re not anything at all.
Walt Disney Cartoon
9 We have to offer up scary scenarios, make simplified dramatic statements, and make little mention of any doubts we may have. We each have to decide the right balance between being honest and being effective.
People with a Noble Cause (Old Man)
