The pace of a civilization depends almost exclusively upon what is done or not done with intelligence that cannot defend itself.

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the obstacle, aphorism 367, A Human Strategy by Matt Berry

367 A: Is it more pleasant without the obstacle? B: Yes, but before I discovered that it was an obstacle, I was content.  There was no inconvenience, and therefore, there was no obstacle. A: But if it is “better” without the obstacle, wouldn’t it be wise to look for other comfortable, and therefore invisible obstacles everywhere? A Human Strategy ** The Mechanics of Virtue ** Post-Atheism
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difference between the spontaneity of the “transcendentalist” and the behaviorist, a human strategy, aphorism 421

421 Note the difference between the spontaneity of the popular “transcendentalist” and that of the behaviorist.  The one stands “impromptu,” pushing the issue with the best of intentions, but who, with a hand in the clear pond, upsets the sediment and can no longer see into the depths of the matter ... or he makes an attempt at “pure thought” which disdains all “gimmicks” and so waits and waits, cursing the long intervals between revelations.  The other avails himself of every sort of preparation — no matter how petty or ridiculous — and is pulled toward the object.   * “But this is not spontaneity!” ...  “Well then, nature is the more accomplished liar.” “So you then admit to your dishonesty?” ...  “But sir, it was not we who began with the attempt to get beyond nature.  It is only a lie if spontaneity is the escape from nature and not its revelation.”
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