A people that deems the possession of riches its highest source of distinction, admits one of the most degrading of all influences to preside over its opinions. At no time, should money be ever ranked as more than a means, and he who lives as if the acquisition of property were the sole end of his existence, betrays the dominion of the most sordid, base, and grovelling motive, that offers. Property is desirable as the groundwork of moral independence, as a means of improving the faculties, and of doing good to others, and as the agent in all that distinguishes the civilized man from the savage. -James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851), _The American Democrat_ (1838)
Everyone realizes that one can believe little of what people
say about each other. But it is not so widely realized that
even less can one trust what people say about themselves.
--Dame Rebecca West [Cecily Isabel Fairfiield] (1892—1983)
"Sunday Telegraph" (London) [1975]
Christ did not die for any upon condition, if they do believe; but He died for all God’s elect, that they should believe ~ John Owen
There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means. -President Calvin Coolidge, _Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge_ p. 159
The essential feature of government is the enforcement of its decrees by beating, killing, and imprisoning. Those who are asking for more government interference are asking ultimately for more compulsion and less freedom. -Ludwig Von Mises (1881-1973), _Human Action_
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