The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule. H. L. Mencken falsefronthumanity Change image and share on social
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. H. L. Mencken basicbearendless Change image and share on social
God is a comedian, playing to an audience too afraid to laugh. H. L. Mencken afraidaudiencecomedian Change image and share on social
A national political campaign is better than the best circus ever heard of, with a mass baptism and a couple of hangings thrown in. H. L. Mencken baptismcampaigncircus Change image and share on social
A prohibitionist is the sort of man one couldn't care to drink with, even if he drank. H. L. Mencken caredrinkman Change image and share on social
The only cure for contempt is counter-contempt. H. L. Mencken contemptcountercure Change image and share on social
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong. H. L. Mencken answerclearcomplex Change image and share on social
No man ever quite believes in any other man. One may believe in an idea absolutely, but not in a man. H. L. Mencken absolutelybelieveidea Change image and share on social
To die for an idea; it is unquestionably noble. But how much nobler it would be if men died for ideas that were true! H. L. Mencken dieideaman Change image and share on social
A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin. H. L. Mencken coffincynicflower Change image and share on social
