If a man went simply by what he saw, he might be tempted to affirm that the essence of democracy is melodrama. — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
A democracy, the realistic observer is forced to conclude, is likely to be idealistic in its feelings about itself, but imperialistic about… — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
To say that most of us today are purely expansive is only another way of saying that most of us continue to… — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
Commercialism is laying its great greasy paw upon everything including the irresponsible quest of thrills; so that, whatever democracy may be theoretically,… — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
Robespierre, however, was not the type of leader finally destined to emerge from the Revolution. — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
The ultimate binding element in the medieval order was subordination to the divine will and its earthly representatives, notably the pope. — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
For behind all imperialism is ultimately the imperialistic individual, just as behind all peace is ultimately the peaceful individual. — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
It is well to open one's mind but only as a preliminary to closing it ... for the supreme act of judgment and selection. — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
To harmonize the One with the Many, this is indeed a difficult adjustment, perhaps the most difficult of all, and so important, withal, that… — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
We must not, however, be like the leaders of the great romantic revolt who, in their eagerness to get rid of the husk of… — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
Perhaps as good a classification as any of the main types is that of the three lusts distinguished by traditional Christianity - the lust… — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
Furthermore, America suffers not only from a lack of standards, but also not infrequently from a confusion or an inversion of standards. — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
An American of the present day reading his Sunday newspaper in a state of lazy collapse is one of the most perfect symbols of… — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
Inasmuch as society cannot go on without discipline of some kind, men were constrained, in the absence of any other form of discipline, to… — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
If quantitatively the American achievement is impressive, qualitatively it is somewhat less satisfying. — Irving Babbitt Copy Share Image
