From the standpoint of the upper classes, the system had many merits. They felt that what was paid out of the poor rate was charity, and therefore a proof of their benevolence; at the same time, wages were kept at starvation level by a method which j...
The desire to “do more in less time” is not a neutral force in our culture; it is the handmaiden of miserable experts, specialists, and leaders. Not everyone has rushed to become efficient. Something else exists on the periphery: an inefficient u...
Once I dated a woman I only liked 43%. So I only listened to 43% of what she said. Only told the truth 43% of the time. And only kissed with 43% of my lips. Some say you can't quantify desire, attaching a number to passion isn't right, that the human...
Now, the invention of the scientific method and science is, I'm sure we'll all agree, the most powerful intellectual idea, the most powerful framework for thinking and investigating and understanding and challenging the world around us that there is,...
It’s destiny; the stars have aligned perfectly to bring us together as friends. You cannot argue with what’s meant to be, once the stars have spoken, it is absolute,” he uttered, all smug and knowing. Shocked that he used the word destiny, I co...
Nationalism and socialism as actually lived and applied in the 20th century are the same thing (and in the 18th and 19th century, nationalism was often a force for classical liberalism!). It’s all a kind of reactionary tribalism (another “ism” ...
Kate: As you know Robbie's shining moment this year was when he set a school record for cursing in an eighth grade English class. [gets up and writes on blackboard] Kate: Asshole. You're familiar with that word, Mrs Weaver? Emily: Yes, I am and I've ...
Lucien: You watch the Discovery Channel? Anthony: Not a lot. Peter: They got some good shit on that channel. Lucien: Every night there is a show with somebody shining a little blue light and finding tiny specks of blood splattered on carpets and wall...
Hans Gruber: [on the radio] Mr. Mystery Guest? Are you still there? John McClane: Yeah, I'm still here. Unless you wanna open the front door for me. Hans Gruber: Uh, no, I'm afraid not. But, you have me at a loss. You know my name but who are you? Ju...
[at the scene of Leslie Tiller's death] Sergeant Tony Fisher: Hang about, hang about... you're saying this wasn't an accident? [Angel grimaces and drops money into the swear box] Nicholas Angel: Leslie Tiller was FUCKING murdered! DS Andy Cartwright:...
Ginny: [helping a speechless and queasy looking Ron into the common room] It's ok, Ron. It's alright. It doesn't matter. Harry: What happened to you? Ginny: He just asked Fleur Delacour out. Hermione: What? Harry: What did she say? Hermione: No, of c...
The Bride: [to the viewers] Looked dead, didn't I? But I wasn't. But it wasn't from lack of trying, I can tell you that. Actually, Bill's last bullet put me in a coma. A coma I was to lie in for four years. When I woke up, I went on what the movie ad...
Prime Minister: Hello, does Natalie live here? Harris Street little girl: No, she doesn't. Prime Minister: Oh, dear. Okay. Harris Street little girl: Are you singing carols? Prime Minister: Uh, no. No I'm not. Her friend: Please, sir, please? Her fri...
[in Portuguese] Jamie: Good evening. Mr. Barros? Mr. Barros: Yes? Jamie: I am here to ask your daughter for her hands in marriage. Mr. Barros: You want to marry my daughter? Jamie: Yes. Mr. Barros: [yelling toward the back of the house] Come here, th...
Karen Clarke: What's going on there, Simon? Simon Foster: It's... It's departmental business. It's about a wall. Karen Clarke: Oh, Gaza? Simon Foster: Uh-huh. Karen Clarke: I'm wondering where you were in committee, Simon. I called for back-up and yo...
Mona Lisa Vito: What name did you tell him? Vinny Gambini: Jerry Gallo. Mona Lisa Vito: Jerry Gallo! The big attorney. Vinny Gambini: Yeah. Mona Lisa Vito: Think that was a smart move? Vinny Gambini: Yeah, well, the man's a seriously accomplished law...
Radio Announcer: Civil defense officials in Cumberland have told newsmen that murder victims show evidence of having been partially devoured by their murderers. Consistent reports from witnesses to the effect that people who acted as if they were in ...
Young Elizabeth: I think it'd be rather exciting to meet a pirate. Norrington: Think again, Miss Swann. Vile and dissolute creatures, the lot of them. I intend to see that any man who sails under a pirate flag or wears a pirate brand gets what he des...
Lt. Steiger: [Serpico and another cop have just been watching a naked girl out the bathroom window] Hold it, Serpico. What were you two doing? Frank Serpico: What? Lt. Steiger: In the shithouse, in the dark! Were you going down on him? Frank Serpico:...
Stalker: Let everything that's been planned come true. Let them believe. And let them have a laugh at their passions. Because what they call passion actually is not some emotional energy, but just the friction between their souls and the outside worl...
L.J. Washington: I don't really come from outer space. Jeffrey Goines: Oh. L. J. Washington. He doesn't really come from outer space. L.J. Washington: Don't mock me my friend. It's a condition of mental divergence. I find myself on the planet Ogo, pa...
