“‘What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens.”
Benjamin Disraeli, quoted as “Thought du jour” in “Social Studies” in Globe & Mail September 1, 2005
In my latest National Post column I say justified sympathy for the people of Ukraine does not justify abandoning good sense when it comes to a nuclear confrontation.
In my latest Epoch Times column I write the speech I wait to hear from those who would be Conservative party leader and Canadian prime minister in these trying times.
“In the first place, divest yourself of all bias in favor of novelty and singularity of opinion. Indulge them in any other subject rather than that of religion. It is too important, and the consequences of error may be too serious. On the other hand, shake off all the fears and servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.”
Thomas Jefferson, in a 1787 letter to his orphan nephew Peter Carr, quoted in William Bennett The Book of Virtues
“He never told the truth when a lie would serve”.
Douglas MacArthur on FDR, quoted in Chronicles magazine September 1993
“one of the wisest lessons you learn after you’ve spent enough time in the present to have a past is that the future never works out the way all the seers and the romantics were so sure it would.”
While I try to provide detailed (and reliable) sources for these quotations, I’m embarrassed to say that my notes for this one just say “National Post March 18, 2000 p. A8” and not the author. If you wrote it, or know who did, please let me know.
In my latest National Post column I say it’s important to stand up for ourselves and our values over Ukraine without blundering, or sauntering, into a nuclear war… and if you think it’s hard, congratulations, you’re a grownup who realizes reality is tricky.
“For to feel oneself a martyr, as everybody knows, is a pleasurable thing, and the true tragedy of my position was that I had passed that stage. I had enjoyed what sweets it had to offer in ever dwindling degree since the middle of August…”
Erskine Childers The Riddle of the Sands