"Democracy cannot survive without the guidance of a creative minority."

Harlan F. Stone Law See all quotes by Harlan F. Stone →

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“The law itself is on trial in every case as well as the cause before it.”

“Distinctions between citizens solely because of their ancestry are by their very nature odious to a free people whose institutions are founded upon the doctrine of equality.”

“To say that only those businesses affected with a public interest may be regulated is but another way of stating that all those businesses which may be regulated are affected with a public interest.”

“The amendment states but a truism that all is retained which has not been surrendered.”

“History teaches us that there have been but few infringements of personal liberty by the state which have not been justified, as they are here, in the name of righteousness and the public good, and few which have not been directed, as they are now, at politically helpless minorities.”

“The Stone Court, 1941-1945, History of the Court, Supreme Court Historical Society”

Resonant Thoughts

"Painting is aesthetic enjoyment; I want to be a 'poet'. As an artist I must conform to my nature. My nature has a lyrical as well as a dramatic disposition. Not one day is the same. One day I feel won…"

— Hans Hofmann

Art1933–1966

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"Progress leads to confusion leads to progress and on and on without respite. Every one of the many major advances … created sooner or later, more often sooner, new problems. These confusions, never tw…"

— Abraham Pais

Science1918–2000

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"An election cannot give a country a firm sense of direction if it has two or more national parties which merely have different names but are as alike in their principles and aims as peas in the same p…"

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

Politics1882–1945

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"I will admit no bond that holds me to a party a day longer than I agree to its principles. When men meet together to confer, and ascertain whether or not they do agree, and find that they differ – rad…"

— Jefferson Davis

Politics1808–1889

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