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. H. L. Mencken Fear
Each party steals so many articles of faith from the other, and the candidates spend so much time making each other's speeches, that by the time election day is past there is nothing much to do save turn the sitting rascals out and let a new gang in. H. L. Mencken Faith
Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who would want to live in an institution? H. L. Mencken Funny
We are here and it is now. Further than that, all human knowledge is moonshine. H. L. Mencken Knowledge
Men have a much better time of it than women. For one thing, they marry later; for another thing, they die earlier. H. L. Mencken Marriage
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. H. L. Mencken Imagination
There are men so philosophical that they can see humor in their own toothaches. But there has never lived a man so philosophical that he could see the toothache in his own humor. H. L. Mencken Humor
A society made up of individuals who were all capable of original thought would probably be unendurable. H. L. Mencken Society
On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron. H. L. Mencken Great
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. H. L. Mencken Government
In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. H. L. Mencken Thankful
If women believed in their husbands they would be a good deal happier and also a good deal more foolish. H. L. Mencken Trust
War will never cease until babies begin to come into the world with larger cerebrums and smaller adrenal glands. H. L. Mencken Peace
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. H. L. Mencken Truth