Famous Quotes by H. L. Mencken (130 Quotations)

To sum up: 1. The cosmos is a gigantic fly-wheel making 10, 000 revolutions a minute. 2. Man is a sick fly taking a dizzy ride on it. 3. Religion is the theory that the wheel was designed and set spinning to give him the ride.

H. L. Mencken – [Cosmos]

Unionism, seldom if ever, uses such powers as it has to ensure better work; almost always it devotes a large part of that power to safeguard bad work.

H. L. Mencken – [Quality]

Unquestionably, there is progress. The average American now pays twice as much in taxes as he formerly got in wages.

H. L. Mencken – [Taxes and Taxation]

War will never cease until babies begin to come into the world with larger cerebrums and smaller adrenal glands.

H. L. Mencken – [War]

We must be willing to pay a price for freedom.

H. L. Mencken – [Freedom]

What men value in this world is not rights but privileges.

H. L. Mencken – [Privilege]

When women kiss it always reminds one of prize-fighters shaking hands.

H. L. Mencken – [Kisses and Kissing]

Whenever a husband and wife begin to discuss their marriage they are giving evidence at a coroner's inquest.

H. L. Mencken – [Marriage]

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 – [Patriotism]

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

H. L. Mencken – [Pleasure]