“Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.”
Source: 1910s, Prejudices, First Series (1919), Ch. 6, "The New Poetry Movement"
Source: Prejudices: First Series
Help us to complete the source, original and additional information
H.L. Mencken 281
American journalist and writer 1880–1956Related quotes

Speech at Students for a Labour Victory rally, referring to Enoch Powell who was MP for Wolverhampton South West, Methodist Central Hall, London (3 June 1970), as quoted in "Onslaught on Powell by Wedgwood Benn" by Denis Taylor in The Times (4 June 1970), p. 1
1970s

“Some mysteries are better off with their throats slit.”
Source: Red Seas Under Red Skies (2007), Chapter 2 “Requin” section 3 (p. 95)

“Invention flags, his brain goes muddy,
And black despair succeeds brown study.”
"An Impossible Thing", line 105 (1720)