Of course, it is no easy matter to be polite; in so far, I mean, as it requires us to show great respect for everybody, whereas most people deserve none at all. Counsels and Maxims
“Back then the hunger artist captured the attention of the entire city.” A Hunger Artist
The fact is, that civilisation requires slaves. The Greeks were quite right there. Unless there are slaves to do the ugly, horrible, uninteresting work, culture and contemplation become almost impossible. Human slavery is wrong, insecure, and demoralizing. On mechanical slavery, on the slavery of the machine, the future of the world depends. The Soul of Man Under Socialism
Variant translation: If I had to define man it would be: a biped, ungrateful. Notes from Underground
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