S S

“Cure sometimes, heal frequently, comfort always.”
― Francine Prose, Mister Monkey

“Of course, punishment is important,’ snaps Petit, feeling nettle once more. ‘ it is the contract that the criminal makes with society - he commits an act against the individual, which is the same as to commit and act against society, and in return, he knows he must receive punishment.”
― Marcus Sedgwick, Mister Memory

“There are three reasons why this is dangerous. First, incompetent leaders will band together, united by their shared knowledge that they’re unqualified for their posts: ‘I know you, you know me, we cannot advance by merit, so instead let’s scratch each other’s backs.’ But running a country is no game, and incompetence can bring it all to a halt.
Second, this creates a new class of opportunitists, greedy reactionaries. Milovan Djilas predicted this in Yugoslavia. This new class will grant themselves special privileges because of their administrative monopoly.
Third, power always corrupts. We can no longer feel superior to others based on personal wealth, based on our bourgeois lifestyles. The Revolution eliminated those things, but it hasn’t eliminated the desire for them. So what do people do to satisfy their desire for a comfortable life? They do whatever it takes to get the quick promotion, exaggerate their experience, pretend they have the skills. Being rational and honest won’t get you that powerful position. Once they get power, they can abuse it to obtain personal luxuries. The black market thrives that way. Our unfortunate history of corrupt officials is returning, despite the Revolution.”
― Baalu Girma, Oromay

“It’s one group of humans with clenched teeth, determined to eliminate another group of humans, like beasts. It discussed you, second you, and you hate yourself. Why did God make you part of such a vicious species?”
― Baalu Girma, Oromay