Quotes on Definitions

My definition (of a philosopher) is of a man up in a balloon, with his family and friends holding the ropes which confine him to earth and trying to haul him down.

Under capitalism, we can't have democracy by definition. Capitalism is a system in which the central institutions of society are in principle under autocratic control.

One definition of man is an intelligence served by organs.

The definition of a security state is one that prioritizes security over all other considerations.

Punk is musical freedom. It's saying, doing and playing what you want. In Webster's terms, 'nirvana' means freedom from pain, suffering and the external world, and that's pretty close to my definition of Punk Rock.

The definition of morality: Morality is the idiosyncrasy of decadents having the hidden desire to revenge themselves upon life - and being successful.

Part of diplomacy is to open different definitions of self-interest.

Most codes extend their definitions of treason to acts not really against one's country. They do not distinguish between acts against the government, and acts against the oppressions of the government. The latter are virtues, yet have furnished more victims to the executioner than the former. Real treasons are rare; oppressions frequent. The unsuccessful strugglers against tyranny have been the chief martyrs of treason laws in all countries.

Mathematics is the science which draws necessary conclusions.

The definition of a good mathematical problem is the mathematics it generates rather than the problem itself.

The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.

Life is a stranger's sojourn, a night at an inn.

My definition of happiness is having something to do what you love to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to.

A disciple having asked for a definition of charity, the Master said LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks; it is not less essential to the steady administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high-handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice; to the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition, of faction, and of anarchy.

Government is frequently and aptly classed under two descriptions-a government of force, and a government of laws; the first is the definition of despotism-the last, of liberty.

According to Gandhi, the seven sins are wealth without works, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, and politics without principle. Well, Hubert Humphrey may have sinned in the eyes of God, as we all do, but according to those definitions of Gandhi's, it was Hubert Humphrey without sin.

My definition of patriotism is to defend your country with the truth, no matter the consequences.

If it were necessary to give the briefest possible definition of imperialism, we should have to say that imperialism is the monopoly stage of capitalism.

I don't have a definition of Jazz. You're just supposed to know it when you hear it.

The Christmas season reminds us that a demonstration of religion is always much better than a definition of it...especially in front of the kids._x000D_ _x000D_ Perhaps the best Yuletide decorations are to be wreathed in smiles and wrapped in hugs._x000D_ _x000D_ The miracle of Christmas is that a baby can be so decisive._x000D_ _x000D_ It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty founder was a child himself.