Source: Liberalism Ancient and Modern (1968), p. 223
Context: Only a great fool would call the new political science diabolic: it has no attributes peculiar to fallen angels. It is not even Machiavellian, for Machiavelli's teaching was graceful, subtle, and colorful. Nor is it Neronian. Nevertheless one may say of it that it fiddles while Rome burns. It is excused by two facts: it does not know that it fiddles, and it does not know that Rome burns.
“You didn’t know, but not knowing is no excuse.”
The Tain (p. 254)
Short Fiction, Looking for Jake (2005)
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China Miéville 102
English writer 1972Related quotes

“Olivia: You didn't even know I was there!
Harry: Excuse me, yes I did.”
Source: What Happens in London
“I know a very good reason,' said Ainsley, 'but I don't know a very good excuse.”

Source: Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda: The Love Letters of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald

“There's no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes and heroines are or were”

"You're With Stupid Now" · 2008 performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjwfNAYdBVQ
Song lyrics, I'm with Stupid (1995)
Context: I don't know how to break the news, but
It's pretty clear you'll be asked to choose between
What you lack and what you excuse
In this tug of war
You can't say that they didn't warn you
Though you'd rather that they just ignore you
Cause your devices are not working for you anymore What you want, you don't know
You're with stupid now

“Nature has no compassion. Nature accepts no excuses and the only punishment it knows is death.”
Section 36
Reflections on the Human Condition (1973)