“In a much quoted passage in his inaugural address, President Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." It is a striking sign of the temper of our times that the controversy about this passage centered on its origin and not on its content. Neither half of the statement expresses a relation between the citizen and his government that is worthy of the ideals of free men in a free society. The paternalistic "what your country can do for you" implies that government is the patron, the citizen the ward, a view that is at odds with the free man's belief in his own responsibility for his own destiny. The organismic, "what you can do for your country" implies that government is the master or the deity, the citizen, the servant or the votary. To the free man, the country is the collection of individuals who compose it, not something over and above them. He is proud of a common heritage and loyal to common traditions. But he regards government as a means, an instrumentality, neither a grantor of favors and gifts, nor a master or god to be blindly worshiped and served. He recognizes no national goal except as it is the consensus of the goals that the citizens severally serve. He recognizes no national purpose except as it is the consensus of the purposes for which the citizens severally strive.”
― Capitalism and Freedom
― Capitalism and Freedom
“…there’s nothing in the world more fun than doing something you’re good at.”
― Galilee
― Galilee
“No tears, please. It's a waste of good suffering.”
― The Hellbound Heart
― The Hellbound Heart
“Is there any good news?' Tesla said.
Who ever promised that? Who ever said there'd be good news?”
― The Great and Secret Show
Who ever promised that? Who ever said there'd be good news?”
― The Great and Secret Show
Favorite Heroes--And Why
— 74 members
— last activity Jun 15, 2021 02:22AM
Let's talk heroes who've captured our hearts in books, movies and TV. What makes them real to you? What do you love--and what flaws can you live with? ...more
Unforgettable Supporting Characters
— 51 members
— last activity May 06, 2013 07:00AM
Not everyone can be a hero. There have to be sidekicks, best friends, and recurring secondary characters to make the world go 'round. Who are your fav ...more
Creating Settings that Make You Want to Move In
— 47 members
— last activity Jun 04, 2013 10:31AM
What makes a novel feel like home? Some books evoke our senses so strongly that we feel like we've really been there, and each new book in the series ...more
Alexander’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Alexander’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
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