Chapterhouse

Highlights

  • They say they seek security and quiet, conditions they call peace. Even as they speak, they create seeds of turmoil and violence. (Location 327)
  • All governments suffer a recurring problem: Power attracts pathological personalities. It is not that power corrupts but that it is magnetic to the corruptible. Such people have a tendency to become drunk on violence, a condition to which they are quickly addicted. (Location 1197)
  • “I stand in the sacred human presence. As I do now, so should you stand some day. I pray to your presence that this be so. Let the future remain uncertain for that is the canvas to receive our desires. Thus the human condition faces its perpetual tabula rasa. We possess no more than this moment where we dedicate ourselves continuously to the sacred presence we share and create.” (Location 2290)
  • Alchemists of any age were like rag pickers bent over their bundles, saying: “There must be order in here somewhere. If I keep on, I’m sure to find it.” And all the time, the only order was the order they themselves created. (Location 2666)
  • Politics: the art of appearing candid and completely open while concealing as much as possible.” (Location 2899)
  • To know a thing well, know its limits. Only when pushed beyond its tolerances will true nature be seen. (Location 3224)
  • Have they taught you about democracy?” “Yes, sir. That’s where you vote for—” “That’s where you distrust anyone with power over you! (Location 3308)
  • ‘lèse majesté.’ (Location 3332)
  • The drawbacks of anyone placing considerable reliance on intellectual achievements were large. (Location 3682)
  • The tyranny of the minority cloaked in the mask of the majority. (Location 4195)
  • Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty. (Location 6535)