Altruism and Cynicism

Eulogy: Praise of a person who has either the advantages of wealth and power, or the consideration to be dead.

Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary, in Altruism and Cynicism

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

Robert J. Hanlon, in Altruism and Cynicism and Vice and Virtue

When the government fears the people, we have liberty. When the people fear the government, we have tyranny.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism and Law and Politics

One nice thing about egotists is that they don't talk about other people.

Lucille S. Harper, in Altruism and Cynicism

Cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth.

Lillian Hellman, in Altruism and Cynicism

Kindness is the beginning of cruelty.

Frank Herbert, Dune, in Altruism and Cynicism

By means of shrewd lies, unremittingly repeated, it is possible to make people believe that heaven is hell -- and hell heaven. The greater the lie, the more readily it will be believed.

Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, in Altruism and Cynicism

I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few.

Adolf Hitler, in Altruism and Cynicism

The victor will never be asked if he told the truth.

Adolf Hitler, in Altruism and Cynicism

Every calling is great when greatly pursued.

Oliver Wendell Holmes, in Altruism and Cynicism

Be your own hero, it's cheaper than a movie ticket.

Doug Horton, in Altruism and Cynicism

Beauty is variable, ugliness is constant.

Doug Horton, in Altruism and Cynicism

Boring people are a reflection of boring people.

Doug Horton, in Altruism and Cynicism

Buying a lie is one thing, giving it away for free is quite another.

Doug Horton, in Altruism and Cynicism

If it looks like shit, smells like shit, mail it to your enemy -- he'll know what to do with it.

Doug Horton, in Altruism and Cynicism

If the destination is heaven, why do we scramble to be first in line for hell?

Doug Horton, in Altruism and Cynicism

Money is the root of all evil, and man needs roots.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism and Wealth and Poverty

Never ask the barber if you need a haircut.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism

Never deprive someone of hope -- it may be all they have.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism

We should forgive our enemies, but only after they've been taken out and shot.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism