Most appropriate considering Mr. Cruz's recent mess.

This statement is too easily bent to the purposes of the speaker; it is a case of taking one ounce of insight and spreading the goods amongst the swine and the farmer; one holds virtue and the other is despicable.

Charming

I'm surprised that this idea is published without sufficient context; Lao Tzu must be read within the order of a discipline - with such, there is a world of meaning - without understanding Lao Tzu, this passage floats as a beautiful leaf or flower without the tree or stem.

Response to Mike, from Norwalk, while Lau... spoke of oneness, the concept that universal energy flows through all that can be known, building fences, whether law or garden fences, interferes or diverts. He speaks of the powerful harmony of nature, that which can only build through destruction, change... I only wish that Liberty quotes placed an advisory beside Lao's quote.

Brilliant Indira

Locke, is one of my favorite early-enlightened, physicians/ philosophers. the 17th c. was an interesting, formative period rich in discourse, communications, and social experimentation. While Locke was extensively selfish, not willing to extend his earlier beliefs to support western culture, he endures as a diminutive but successful social thinker.
I believe that Francis Bacon, Thomas Hobbes, and John Clarke were far more successful in uniting effective benevolent ideas with a culture drenched in shock and opportunity.

Montaigne, one of the great minds that introduced the age of reason. I think this is a bright observation presented with a moral side-dish, and a dash of humor.

Thank you Jim K from Austin, I look forward to reading "Essence of Jefferson." The Jefferson quote is typical of Jefferson as it captures a singularly fair and unbiased Enlightenment theme. To be clear, church/state separation and freedoms including religion and speech were the brilliant work of Dr. John Clarke (1609-1676). Jefferson had but to dust off the Rhode Island 1663 Charter in order to become the great man that he was.

Another masterpiece from the Age of Reason. Scholars are finally realizing the brilliance of 17th c. thinkers.

A truism extending back to the Stoics.