Jeremy Bentham on colonies

Other reasons against distant dominions may be found in a consideration of the good of the government. Distant mischiefs make little impression on those on whom the remedying of them depends. A single murder committed in London makes more impression than if thousands of murders and other cruelties were committed in the East Indies. The … Continue reading Jeremy Bentham on colonies →

Aristotle on the character of wealthy men

The type of character produced by Wealth lies on the surface for all to see. Wealthy men are insolent and arrogant; their possession of wealth affects their understanding; they feel as if they had every good thing that exists; wealth becomes a sort of standard of value for everything else, and therefore they imagine there is … Continue reading Aristotle on the character of wealthy men →

Another translation of Antara

Pour me not the water of life with disgrace; But pour me, with glory, the bitterest cup; The water of life in disgrace is as Hell; And Hell with glory is the finest abode. (The last lines from his poem beginning "Judge by your swords".)

Hume on the folly of mankind

though men are commonly more governed by what they have seen, than by what they foresee, with whatever certainty; yet promises, protestations, fair appearances, with the allurements of present interest, have such powerful influence as few are able to resist. Mankind are, in all ages, caught by the same baits: The same tricks, played over … Continue reading Hume on the folly of mankind →