Top 150 Quotes by H. L. Mencken

The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression.

Let's not burn the universities yet. After all, the damage they do might be worse.

Man is a beautiful machine that works very badly.

When women kiss it always reminds one of prize fighters shaking hands.

Democracy is the art and science of running the circus from the monkey cage.

Husbands never become good; they merely become proficient.

The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule.

The basic fact about human existence is not that it is a tragedy, but that it is a bore. It is not so much a war as an endless standing in line.

God is a comedian, playing to an audience too afraid to laugh.

The one permanent emotion of the inferior man is fear - fear of the unknown, the complex, the inexplicable. What he wants above everything else is safety.