When a new source of taxation is found it never means, in practice, that the old source is abandoned. It merely means that the politicians have two ways of milking the taxpayer where they had one before.

Quote by H L Mencken

Topics: H L Mencken Quotes

Most people want security in this world, not liberty.

Most people want security in this world, not liberty.

I never lecture, not because I am shy or a bad speaker, but simply because...

I never lecture, not because I am shy or a bad speaker, but simply because...

Morality is the theory that every human act must be either right or wrong, and...

Morality is the theory that every human act must be either right or wrong, and...

The cynics are right nine times out of ten.

The cynics are right nine times out of ten.

The penalty for laughing in a courtroom is six months in jail; if it were...

The penalty for laughing in a courtroom is six months in jail; if it were...

If, after I depart this vale, you ever remember me and have thought to please...

If, after I depart this vale, you ever remember me and have thought to please...

Immorality: the morality of those who are having a better time.

Immorality: the morality of those who are having a better time.

I write in order to attain that feeling of tension relieved and function achieved which...

I write in order to attain that feeling of tension relieved and function achieved which...

A man always remembers his first love with special tenderness, but after that he begins...

A man always remembers his first love with special tenderness, but after that he begins...

All men are frauds. The only difference between them is that some admit it. I...

All men are frauds. The only difference between them is that some admit it. I...

Poetry has done enough when it charms, but prose must also convince.

Poetry has done enough when it charms, but prose must also convince.

Life is a constant oscillation between the sharp horns of dilemmas.

Life is a constant oscillation between the sharp horns of dilemmas.

Alimony - the ransom that the happy pay to the devil.

Alimony - the ransom that the happy pay to the devil.

Women have simple tastes. They get pleasure out of the conversation of children in arms...

Women have simple tastes. They get pleasure out of the conversation of children in arms...

Communism, like any other revealed religion, is largely made up of prophecies.

Communism, like any other revealed religion, is largely made up of prophecies.

It doesn't take a majority to make a rebellion; it takes only a few determined...

It doesn't take a majority to make a rebellion; it takes only a few determined...

The common argument that crime is caused by poverty is a kind of slander on...

The common argument that crime is caused by poverty is a kind of slander on...

An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes...

An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes...

Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

Idealism is fine, but as it approaches reality, the costs become prohibitive.

You'll never succeed in idealizing hard work. Before you can dig mother earth you've got...

You'll never succeed in idealizing hard work. Before you can dig mother earth you've got...