Democracy in America, Volume I and II (Optimized for Kindle)
Machines turn against men at a much lower level of power than would be ruled out by the first five criteria. But while these criteria identify necessary safeguards for life and liberty, the balance of purpose depends on a different kind of value. Conceptual rather than empirical criteria can be set for the constitutional limitation of power. It oug
... See moreIvan Illich • Tools for Conviviality
On gaining power: They soon begin to rid themselves of their chief helpers, "discovering" that those who brought about the new order have suddenly become traitors to it. They suppress criticism on one pretext or another and punish anyone who mentions facts which, however true, are unfavourable to their policy. They enlist religion on thei
... See moreB. H. Liddell Hart • Why Don't We Learn from History?
It is impossible for the ordinary citizen to understand the complexity of the federal government. This is not because of lack of education or intellect, because it is not fully comprehensible even to those in the government. But to those outside, it is impossible to verify the good intentions or competence of the federal system, and incomprehensibi
... See moreGeorge Friedman • The Storm Before the Calm: America's Discord, the Coming Crisis of the 2020s, and the Triumph Beyond
D’où l’importance de l’État de droit et des contre-pouvoirs mais aussi de l’éducation des citoyens à la liberté dont ils doivent assumer la responsabilité ultime. La démocratie n’est donc pas garantie par la Providence ou par un principe transcendant mais par l’engagement des hommes au service de la liberté, ce qui relève d’une forme de pari pascal
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