On paper, the USSR under Stalin boasted an exemplary constitution, with far more democratic controls than European parliamentary systems of the time. It was just that, much as in the Federation, none of this had any bearing on how life actually worked.

— David Graeber, The Utopia of Rules

The principles of every passion, and of every sentiment, is in every man; and when touched properly, they rise to life, and warm the heart, and convey that satisfaction, by which a work of genius is distinguished from the adulterate° beauties of a capricious wit and fancy.

— David Hume, Essays, Moral, Political, and Literary

One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.

— Simone De Beauvoir, The Coming of Age

…it seems evident that a majority of those classed as information workers do feel that if their jobs were to vanish, it would make very little difference to the world.

— David Graeber, Bullshit Jobs

In life our first job is this, to divide and distinguish things into two categories: externals I cannot control, but the choices I make with regard to them I do control. Where will I find good and bad? In me, in my choices. —EPICTETUS…

— Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way