“The men the American people admire most extravagantly are the most daring liars; the men they detest most violently are those who try to tell them the truth.”

— H.L. Mencken

Last update June 3, 2021. History

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H.L. Mencken 281

American journalist and writer 1880–1956

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“The men who are to protect the community against violent aggression easily turn into the most dangerous aggressors. They transgress their mandate.”

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Context: It is a double-edged makeshift to entrust an individual or a group of individuals with the authority to resort to violence. The enticement implied is too tempting for a human being. The men who are to protect the community against violent aggression easily turn into the most dangerous aggressors. They transgress their mandate. They misuse their power for the oppression of those whom they were expected to defend against oppression. The main political problem is how to prevent the police power from becoming tyrannical. This is the meaning of all the struggles for liberty.