REVERENCE, THAT ANGEL OF THE WORLD

Always and in everything let there be reverence.

—CONFUCIUS

SISYPHUS

Let’s make sisyphism a part of our mythology instead of our national policy.

Sisyphus in Greek mythology was condemned, as a punishment for his wickedness in this life, to roll a stone from the bottom to the top of a hill. Whenever the stone reached the top it rolled down again. Thus, his task was never-ending.

EVIL BEGUN, RARELY UNDONE

In all things bad or evil, getting is quicker and easier than getting rid of them.

—AUGUST HARE

THE GLORY OF WORK

All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work. Work is not a curse; it is the prerogative of intelligence, the only means to manhood, and the measure of civilization.

—CALVIN COOLIDGE

EMPLOYMENT REDEFINED

Just definitions either prevent or put an end to disputes.

—NATHANIEL EMMONS

HOW TO STOP INFLATION

To know truly is to know by causes.

—FRANCIS BACON

HOW NOT TO BE OWNED

The man who is not permitted to own is owned.

—SANTAYANA

There would be no tigers in zoos were they to remain as ferocious as when first captured. But once owned, they soon become docile.

Human slavery is an ancient institution in all parts of the globe. Slavery would not exist, however, if captives remained as intractable as when first shanghaied by slave traders. But once owned, they become complacent.

IF I WERE KING

No man is wise enough, nor good enough, to be trusted with unlimited powers.

—CALEB C. COLTON

To imagine I were king is pure fiction, merely suggestive, for my first act would be to abdicate. Kingship is not my cup of tea.

Perhaps a better caricature of omnipotence would be a genie—as the actress in the TV show, “I Dream of Jeannie.” She simply folds her arms, makes a wish, and blinks her eyes. Presto! The wish instantly becomes the reality.

THE RIGHT TO QUIT

Man, proud man! dressed in a little brief authority, plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven as make the angels weep.

—SHAKESPEARE

THE ROLE OF INTERFERENCE

Determine which actions should be forcibly halted, and there are the proper limits of government.