The Politics of Truth and Other Untimely Essays: The Crisis of Civic Consciousness

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University of Missouri Press, 1999 - Political Science - 235 pages
This volume explores the historical and theoretical underpinnings of personal liberty and free government and provides an analysis of the crisis of civic consciousness endangering both.

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Contents

Liberty and Rule of Law in Czechoslovakia
13
The Politics of Truth
35
Religious Liberty and Religion in the American Founding
65
Sir John Fortescue as Political Philosopher
95
Nihilism and Resistance
121
Eric Voegelin a Conservative?
139
Notes
171
Index
221
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Page 52 - It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary.
Page 51 - KNOW then thyself, presume not God to scan; The proper study of mankind is man. Placed on this isthmus of a middle state, A being darkly wise, and rudely great : With too much knowledge for the sceptic side, With too much weakness for the stoic's pride, He hangs between; in doubt to act, or rest...
Page 93 - I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that "an unjust law is no law at all.
Page 51 - Created half to rise and half to fall; Great lord of all things, yet a prey to all, Sole judge of truth, in endless error hurled, The glory, jest, and riddle of the world...
Page 99 - Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.
Page 87 - Because we hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth " that religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence.
Page 51 - With too much knowledge for the sceptic side, With too much weakness for the stoic's pride, He hangs between ; in doubt to act, or rest ; In doubt to deem himself a God or beast ; In doubt his mind or body to prefer ; Born but to die, and reas'ning but to err...
Page 51 - Vast chain of being! which from God began, Natures ethereal, human, angel, man, Beast, bird, fish, insect, what no eye can see, No glass can reach; from Infinite to thee, From thee to nothing.

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