Post 40—A Break: Humour and Other Ingredients, incl. some Truths (1)

  

The number 40 has strong symbolic meaning in the Book of books. So, this being Post 40 on this blog, I want to celebrate reaching this point by a change of pace, away from challenging, arguing and other fighting words. Note the (1) behind the title. I intend to do a similar post at number 80.  Of course, in the light of earlier promises about promises, this is not a promise, just a statement of intent. As long as it is an intention, I am not obligated to keep it and thus leaves me free. Welcome to a few moments of humour, some truths and other stuff. 

I am also considering ending at least occasional posts with a quotation, humorous or serious, probably mostly without any connection to the subject of the post it ends. If you have some worthwhile quotations you’d like to see on this blog-- humorous, true, just nicely put or whatever-- feel free to flash them to me. I may use them, giving you credit, name and all.

So, here’s the celebrative break:

Thomas Sowell, an American Black, economist, social theorist, political philosopher and author.

            The word “racism” is like ketchup. It can be put on practically anything—and demanding 
            evidence makes you a “racist.”

Elie Weisel, author, professor, Nobel Prize winner, political activist and witness to the Holocaust.

            No human race is superior; no religious faith is inferior. All collective judgements are 
            wrong. Only racists make them.

George Bernard Shaw, Irish playright and ardent Socialist.

             A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life    
             spent doing nothing.

            Clever and attractive women do not want to vote; they are willing to let men govern as long
            as they govern men.

Cicero, an ancient Roman philosopher, politician, lawyer, orator, political theorist, consul and constitutionalist.

           A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from 
           within. An enemy at the gate is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner 
           openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely.  A murderer is less to 
           fear.

George Sand, aka Amantine Lucile Dupin, French novelist.

           Charity degrades those who receive it and hardens those who dispense it.

Ralph Nader, American consumer advocate, lawyer and author.

           A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.

H. L. Mencken, an American journalist, satirist, cultural critic and scholar of American English.

         It is inaccurate to say I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common     
         honesty and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for any public office.

Rudyard Kipling, an English short-story writer, poet, and novelist.

            A woman’s guess is much more accurate than a man’s certainty.

Unknown

           You can think without speaking, but don't speak without thinking.

  

Nancy Gibbs in Time magazine of May 30, 2011.

            On cover:  “Sex. Lies. Arrogance. What makes powerful men act like pigs.”

            At bottom:  a pig with caption “No offence.”

Lisa McCullough Karstetter—unknown to me. 

(Hope I don't offend anyone!) Over five thousand years ago, Moses said to the children of Israel, "Pick up your shovels, mount your asses and camels, and I will lead you to the Promised Land." Nearly 75 years ago, Roosevelt said, "Lay down your shovels, sit on your asses, and light up a Camel, this is the Promised Land." Today, Congress has stolen your shovel, taxed your asses, raised the price of Camels and mortgaged the Promised Land! I was so depressed last night thinking about health care, the economy, the wars, lost jobs, savings, Social Security, retirement funds, etc ...., I called a Suicide Hotline. I had to press 1 for English. I was connected to a call center in Pakistan. I told them I was suicidal. They got excited and asked if I could drive a truck......Folks, we're screwed.

T. Alsbach, a Dutchman (You believe in tongues?) 

           Statistische verbanden zijn geen causale verbanden, dames en heren psychologen!! Volg   
           eens een cursus logica, argumentatieleer of wetenschapsfilosofie.