Section 124
Reflections on the Human Condition (1973)
Context: The ignorant are a reservoir of daring. It almost seems that those who have yet to discover the known are particularly equipped for dealing with the unknown. The unlearned have often rushed in where the learned feared to tread, and it is the credulous who are tempted to attempt the impossible. They know not whither they are going, and give chance a chance.
“Ignore the critics… Only mediocrity is safe from ridicule. Dare to be different!”
“That's the last order I'll ever give you Captain. Don't you dare ignore it.”
Source: The Opal Deception
Eye on Australia: Speeches and Essays of Geoffrey Blainey (1991)
Introduction
An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians (1792)
Context: In one period the grossest ignorance and barbarism prevailed in the world; and afterwards, in a more enlightened age, the most daring infidelity, and contempt of God; so that the world which was once over-run with ignorance, now by wisdom knew not God, but changed the glory of the incorruptible God as much as in the most barbarous ages, into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Nay, as they increased in science and politeness, they ran into more abundant and extravagant idolatries.
“We have that Indian scene. We can get the Indians from the reservoir.”
Alternately reported as "We can get all the Indians we need at the reservoir", in Paul F. Boller, John George, They Never Said It (1990), p. 40.
Misattributed
In Quest of Democracy (1991)
1 POLITICS AND ISSUES, Making The World Safe For Hypocrisy, p. 64
Dirty truths (1996), first edition
