“A principle is universal, a rule is inflexible, a law is invariable.”
Robert Fripp (1946) English guitarist, composer and record producer
The Six Principles of the Performance Event
Opposing Article X of the Covenant of the League of Nations which would obligate members of the League of Nations to collective response. As quoted in Autobiographical Notes of Charles Hughes (1973) edited by D. J. Danelski and J. S. Tulchin
Context: I think that it is a fallacy to suppose that helpful cooperation in the future will be assured by the attempted compulsion of an inflexible rule. Rather will such cooperation depend upon the fostering of firm friendships springing from an appreciation of community ideals, interests, and purposes, and such friendships are more likely to be promoted by freedom of conference than by the effort to create hard and fast engagements.
“A principle is universal, a rule is inflexible, a law is invariable.”
Robert Fripp (1946) English guitarist, composer and record producer
The Six Principles of the Performance Event
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971) American protestant theologian
Faith and History: A Comparison of Christian and Modern Views of History (1949)
Context: The fact that the prevailing mood of modern culture was able to transmute the original pessimism of romanticism into an optimistic creed proves the power of this mood. Only occasionally the original pessimism erupts in full vigor, as in the thought of a Schopenhauer or Nietzsche. The subjugation of romantic pessimism, together with the transmutation of Marxist catastrophism establishes historical optimism far beyond the confines of modern rationalism. Though there are minor dissonances the whole chorus of modern culture learned to sing the new song of hope in remarkable harmony. The redemption of mankind, by whatever means, was assured for the future. It was, in fact, assured by the future.
David Cameron (1966) Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
William Hague suggests Libya rebel funding https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13059958 BBC News (13 April 2011) <br class="br">2010s, 2011
Scott Pruitt (1968) 14th and current Administrator of the EPA; former Attorney General from Oklahoma
Senate Confirmation Hearing Opening Statement https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0e505de4-aa91-4dcc-ba23-dc9ddab01c0b/scott-pruitt-opening-statement-final-.pdf (January 18, 2017)
Margaret Thatcher book Statecraft: Strategies for a Changing World
Source: Statecraft: Strategies for a Changing World, p. 121
“Our interests are very much aligned. Our attempts of cooperation are very much aligned.”
Angela Merkel (1954) Chancellor of Germany
2016, Joint press conference of 17 November 2016
Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856–1915) American mechanical engineer and tennis player
Source: Principles of Scientific Management, 1911, p. 64.
Carl Eckart (1902–1973) American physicist
Source: Our Modern Idol: Mathematical Science (1984), p. 41.
“In my attempt to be helpful, I found myself defending my suggestion.”
Robert T. Kiyosaki (1947) American finance author , investor
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money-That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!