Happy Birthday, HL
Born today in 1880, the irascible and splendid Sage of Baltimore, HL Mencken.
"I believe that it is better to tell the truth than a lie. I believe it is better to be free than to be a slave. And I believe it is better to know than to be ignorant."
"It is impossible to imagine the universe run by a wise, just and omnipotent God, but it is quite easy to imagine it run by a board of gods. If such a board actually exists it operates precisely like the board of a corporation that is losing money."
"The worst government is 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."
"The only way to reconcile science and religion is to create something which isn't science or something which isn't religion."
Labels: birthdays, freethought
4 Comments:
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At 10:29 PM, September 12, 2008
democommie had this to say...
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At 12:57 AM, September 13, 2008
The Exterminator had this to say...
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At 10:16 AM, September 13, 2008
The Ridger, FCD had this to say...
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At 10:23 AM, September 13, 2008
The Exterminator had this to say...
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<-- Older Post ^ Home Newer Post -->I never read enough of Mencken to really get to know him. I do like Studs Terkel, Hunter S. Thompson, Dave Barry, George Carlin and a lot of other folks who might seem a bit scattered sometimes but who always have something to say beyond the comedy.
Don't tell me you couldn't find a picture of the real Mencken. That's an actor you've got there.
Here's a quintessential photo of
the real H.L. Mencken from his young days.
Damn, Ex! You are correct. I uploaded the wrong picture (and now I can't even remember why I have that one) and didn't look at the post after scheduling it. Picture is now of the authentic Mencken.
Thanks, Ridger. Mencken is a big favorite of mine.
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