1,045 Quotes by H. L. Mencken

It is a peculiarity of the American mind that it regards any excursion into the truth as an adventure into cynicism.

There is, in fact, nothing about religious opinions that entitles them to any more respect than other opinions get. On the contrary, they tend to be noticeably silly.

[The] erroneous assumption is to the effect that the aim of public education is to fill the young of the species with knowledge and awaken their intelligence, and so make them fit to discharge the duties of citizenship in an enlightened and independent manner. Nothing could be further from the truth. The aim of public education is not to spread enlightenment at all; it is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardised citizenry, to put down dissent and originality.

It takes a long while for a naturally trustful person to reconcile himself to the idea that after all God will not help him

If a politician found he had cannibals among his constituents, he would promise them missionaries for dinner.

It costs more to maintain ten vices than one virtue.

Those who can't teach - administrate. Those who can't administrate - go into politics.

He marries best who puts it off until it is too late.

Genius: the ability to prolong one's childhood.