Monthly Archives: September 2022

A Twist of Darkness

A Twist of Darknessby Michael DoyleA twist of darkness enters Elven leavesAs evil descends beyond edged beliefsSeeping into the crevices of lifeReceding with peace gradually into strifeIt is that begins the origin of the ringsDeemed upon us as all dreamers … Continue reading

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First Principles: All Men Having Power Ought To Be Distrusted To A Certain Degree

“All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree.” – James Madison (1787)

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Thought For the Day: Before We Set Our Hearts Too Much On Anything, Let Us Examine How Happy Are Those Who Already Possess It

“Before we set our hearts too much on anything, let us examine how happy are those who already possess it.” – Francois, duc de La Rochefoucauld, moralist (15 Sep 1613-1680)

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First Principles: For My Part, Whatever Anguish of Spirit It Might Cost, I Am Willing To Know the Whole Truth; To Know the Worst, and To Provide For It

“It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth — and listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this … Continue reading

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Thought For the Day: Most People Are Mirrors, Reflecting Moods and Emotions of the Times; Few Are Windows Bringing Light to Bear On the Dark Corners

“Most people are mirrors, reflecting the moods and emotions of the times; few are windows, bringing light to bear on the dark corners where troubles fester. The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” -Sydney J. Harris, … Continue reading

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Thought For the Day: We Are So Vain That We Even Care For the Opinion of Those We Don’t Care For

“We are so vain that we even care for the opinion of those we don’t care for.” – Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach, writer (13 Sep 1830-1916)

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First Principles: A Rigid Economy of the Public Contributions and Absolute Interdiction of All Useless Expenses Will Go Far Towards Keeping the Government Honest and Unoppressive

“[A] rigid economy of the public contributions and absolute interdiction of all useless expenses will go far towards keeping the government honest and unoppressive.” – Thomas Jefferson (1823)

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The Gospel of A Hard Life

The Gospel of A Hard Lifeby Michael DoyleWith a pinch and a twistThe Devil takes my wristLeading me into temptationAnd away from contemplationAt the podium, the preacher talksAbout the holiness in which he walksDefining words by their situationSomehow arriving at … Continue reading

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Thought For the Day: To Educate A Man In Mind and Not In Morals Is To Educate A Menace To Society

“To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” –Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

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First Principles: Judges…Should Not Be Dependent Upon Any Man, Or Body of Men

“Judges, therefore, should be always men of learning and experience in the laws, of exemplary morals, great patience, calmness, coolness, and attention. Their minds should not be distracted with jarring interests; they should not be dependent upon any man, or … Continue reading

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