Quotes by H. L. Mencken

About H. L. Mencken:

Henry Louis is regarded as one of the most influential American writers and prose stylists of the first half of the twentieth century. As a scholar Mencken is known for The American Language, a multi-volume study of how the English language is spoken in the United States. His satirical reporting on the Scopes trial, which he dubbed the "Monkey Trial", also earned him notoriety. He commented widely on the social scene, literature, music, prominent politicians and contemporary movements.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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

The chief contribution of Protestantism to human thought is its massive proof that God is a bore.

H. L. Mencken

The basic fact about human existence is not that it is a tragedy, but that it is a bore. It is not so much a war as an endless standing in line.

H. L. Mencken

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

H. L. Mencken

Nine times out of ten, in the arts as in life, there is actually no truth to be discovered; there is only error to be exposed.

H. L. Mencken

Life is a dead-end street.

H. L. Mencken
Love quotes by H. L. Mencken, War quotes by H. L. Mencken, UberQuotes

Love is like war: easy to begin but very hard to stop.

H. L. Mencken

To be in love is merely to be in a state of perceptual anesthesia - to mistake an ordinary young woman for a goddess.

H. L. Mencken

Adultery is the application of democracy to love.

H. L. Mencken

Whenever you hear a man speak of his love for his country, it is a sign that he expects to be paid for it.

H. L. Mencken

Love is the delusion that one woman differs from another.

H. L. Mencken

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

H. L. Mencken

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

H. L. Mencken

The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, in...

H. L. Mencken

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

Every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under.

H. L. Mencken

I believe that all government is evil, and that trying to improve it is largely a waste of time.

H. L. Mencken

All government, of course, is against liberty.

H. L. Mencken

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

H. L. Mencken

It is hard to believe that a man is telling the truth when you know that you would lie if you were in his place.

H. L. 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.

H. L. Mencken

Author Bio

  • NameH. L. Mencken
  • DescriptionAmerican journalist and writer
  • AliasesH. L. Mencken
  • BornSeptember 12, 1880
  • DiedJanuary 29, 1956
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionJournalist; Satirist; Literary Critic; Essayist; Social Critic; Autobiographer