The three axes allow each tribe to assert moral superiority. The progressive asserts moral superiority by denouncing oppression and accusing others of failing to do so. The conservative asserts moral superiority by denouncing barbarism and accusing others of failing to do so. The libertarian asserts moral superiority by denouncing coercion and accusing others of failing to do so.

— Arnold Kling, The Three Languages of Politics

…being different is rarely a passport to good design.

— Richard Raffan, The Art of Turned Bowls

Of all types of human being, only the artist takes it upon him to say that he “cannot” work.

— George Orwell, Keep the Aspidistra Flying

Philosophy should take thoughts that are otherwise turbid and blurred, so to speak, and make them clear and sharp.

— Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

…it’s almost impossible to get fired from a professional job—even pilot or surgeon—for mere incompetence, but very easy to get fired for defiance of accepted standards of external behavior, that is, for not properly playing the part.

— David Graeber, Bullshit Jobs