For people who have no critical acumen, a state is a mythical entity, for those who think critically it is a rational fiction, created by man in order to facilitate human coexistence.

Quote by Friedrich Durrenmatt

Topics: Friedrich Durrenmatt Quotes

There are risks which are not acceptable: the destruction of humanity is one of them.

There are risks which are not acceptable: the destruction of humanity is one of them.

It is surely easier to confess a murder over a cup of coffee than in...

It is surely easier to confess a murder over a cup of coffee than in...

A story is not finished, until it took the worst turn.

A story is not finished, until it took the worst turn.

Man is imperfect. The reality he creates is always endangered by man.

Man is imperfect. The reality he creates is always endangered by man.

Religion and political expediency go beautifully hand in hand.

Religion and political expediency go beautifully hand in hand.

There are thoughts we must not think.

There are thoughts we must not think.

The freedom of each individual can only be the freedom of all.

The freedom of each individual can only be the freedom of all.

Power is paradoxical.

Power is paradoxical.

It is inhuman to continue a war which could easily be ended.

It is inhuman to continue a war which could easily be ended.

People like us who are on their last leg can only understand comedies.

People like us who are on their last leg can only understand comedies.

Justice is horrible.

Justice is horrible.

We do not consider patriotism desirable if it contradicts civilized behavior.

We do not consider patriotism desirable if it contradicts civilized behavior.

Today's Communism can survive only if it abandons the myth of an infallible party, if...

Today's Communism can survive only if it abandons the myth of an infallible party, if...

I am a man, and God is hiding from us humans. We are unable to...

I am a man, and God is hiding from us humans. We are unable to...

A story has been thought through to the end when it has taken the worst...

A story has been thought through to the end when it has taken the worst...

Resistance at all cost is the most senseless act there is.

Resistance at all cost is the most senseless act there is.

Only the freedom of mind can prevent the state from becoming totalitarian and from issuing...

Only the freedom of mind can prevent the state from becoming totalitarian and from issuing...

Pretend to be dumb, that's the only way to reach old age.

Pretend to be dumb, that's the only way to reach old age.

In a society which is structured the wrong way, piety has no effect.

In a society which is structured the wrong way, piety has no effect.

A major power can afford a military debacle only when it looks like a political...

A major power can afford a military debacle only when it looks like a political...