Levi Carpenter

“In such societies [in which the state has preceded the nation], the political process is about domination, not alternation in office, which takes place, if at all, by coups rather than by constitutional procedures. The concept of a loyal opposition--the essence of modern democracy--rarely prevails[...]Western-style democracy [is unique in that it] presupposes a consensus on values that sets limits to partisanship.”
― Henry Kissinger, Diplomacy

“Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;”
― William Butler Yeats

“[...]the Ideal shames us all. Thus we fear it, resent it--even hate it[...]What are we to do about that? Abandon all ideals of beauty, health, brilliance and strength? That's not a good solution.”
― Jordan B. Peterson, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

“While years of education are often used as a rough proxy for human capital in general, not only is much human capital gained outside of educational institutions,[...]some education even produces negative human capital, in the form of attitudes, expectations, and aversions that negatively impact the economy.”
― Thomas Sowell, Wealth, Poverty and Politics: An International Perspective