“Every man speaks and writes with intent to be understood; and it can seldom happen but he that understands himself, might convey his notions to another, if, content to be understood, he did not seek to be admired; but when once he begins to contrive how his sentiments may be received, not with most ease to his reader, but with most advantage to himself, he then transfers his consideration from words to sounds, from sentences to periods, and, as he grows more elegant, becomes less intelligible.” IfsMenWritingMayMightHappensSpeakGrowsSoundReaderPeriodsUnderstoodAdvantageNotionSentencesEvery ManEaseConsiderationSentimentsElegantTransfers Book:The Idler: With Additional Essays Source: The Idler: With Additional Essays
“In the First Amendment to the Constitution, the Founders made it clear that this was not to be a sky-god nation with a national religion like that of England, from whom we had just separated. It is curious how little understood this amendment is-yes, everyone has a right to worship any god he chooses but he does not have the right to impose his beliefs on others who do not happen to share in his superstitions and taboos.” FirstsLittlesDoeMadeHappensReligionBeliefNationsClearSkyShareWorshipUnderstoodConstitutionEnglandCuriousMade ItAmendmentsSuperstitionsFoundersFirst AmendmentTaboo Author:Gore Vidal
“What state surveillance actually is is best understood by the NSA's own documents and own words, which I think as you know I happen to have a lot of.” ThinkingKnowsStatesHappensUnderstoodDocumentsSurveillanceNsa Author:Glenn Greenwald