We are developing the social individualist meta-context for the future. From the very serious to the extremely frivolous... lets see what is on the mind of the Samizdata people.

Samizdata, derived from Samizdat /n. - a system of clandestine publication of banned literature in the USSR [Russ.,= self-publishing house]

Samizdata slogan of the day

It is best to act with confidence no matter how little right you have to it.
– Lillian Hellman

Samizdata slogan of the day

Saddam Hussein promised us the “mother of all battles” but in the event produced something like the daughter-in-law of an obscure cat fight. His soldiers quit, his air force flew to safety in Iran and in the end he only did a little of what he does best, the murder of innocents, mostly women and children, with a few Scuds lobbed into Israel.
-Wesley Pruden

(via Boris Kupershmidt on the LA-F)

Samizdata slogan of the day

Carter said to the Cuban people that the most important right is the freedom of assembly. The place where most Cubans assemble? Miami!
– Jay Leno, on ex-President Carter’s visit to Cuba

Samizdata slogan of the day

These idle disputants overlooked the invariable laws of nature, which have connected peace with innocence, plenty with industry, and safety with valour.
– Edward Gibbon, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Chapter 30

Samizdata slogan of the day

He who understands neither judges nor offends.
-Anonymous

Samizdata slogan of the day

This charter has been forced from the king. It constitutes an insult to the Holy See, a serious weakening of the royal power, a disgrace to the English nation, a danger to all Christendom, since this civil war obstructs the crusade.
-Pope Innocent III (Papal Bull of August 1215 – referring to Magna Carta)

Samizdata slogan of the day

I order you to hold a free election, but forbid you to elect anyone but Richard my clerk.
-Henry II (in 1173, to the electors of the See of Winchester regarding the election of a new bishop)

Samizdata slogan of the day

Had I been present at the creation, I would have given some useful hints for the better ordering of the universe.
– Alfonso X, Spanish king, cca 13th century

Samizdata slogan of the day

The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!

I know not what course others may take but as for me: give me liberty or give me death.

– Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775, Richmond Virginia

Samizdata slogan of the day

These idle disputants overlooked the invariable laws of nature, which have connected peace with innocence, plenty with industry, and safety with valour.
– Edward Gibbon, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Chapter 30

Samizdata slogan of the day

Sex doesn’t interfere with the tennis. It’s staying out all night trying to find it that affects your tennis.
-Andre Agassi

(Agassi, now happily married to Steffi Graf, didn’t make it to the last sixteen in the men’s singles at this year’s Wimbledon, and nor did any other Americans, the first time this has happened since nineteen twenty something. Maybe they should get out more.)

Samizdata slogan of the day

It would be better that England should be free than that England should be compulsorily sober.
-William Connor Magee (1821-1891), clergyman, speech on the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, House of Lords, May 2, 1872