H. L. Mencken Quotes

There is something inherent in our democracy that tends to want to level. America is a little uncomfortable in the presence of someone who is distinctly superior in whatever way.

Aristocracy is naturally abhorrent to me, and adored equality is my idol.

We have been taught by experience the danger of the levelling spirit.

To be prosperous is not to be superior, and should form no barrier between men. Wealth ought not to secure the prosperous the slightest consideration.

Here, no privileged orders – no factitious distinctions in society – no hereditary nobility – no royal prerogatives exist, to interpose barriers between the people, and to create distinct classifications in society. All men being considered as enjoying an equality of rights, the propriety and necessity of dispensing, without distinction, the blessings of education ….

Monopoly and privilege must be destroyed, opportunity afforded, and competition encouraged. This is Liberty's work.

Our country was not built to support blood dynasties or to elevate the rich and famous to a higher ethical or constitutional plain.

I understand democracy as something that gives the weak the same chance as the strong.

But in view of the constitution, in the eye of the law, there is in this country no superior, dominant, ruling class of citizens. There is no caste here.

No band is special, no player royalty.

Everyone is born equally capable but lacks equal opportunity.

I have no respect for the passion of equality, which seems to me merely idealizing envy - I don't disparage envy, but I don't accept it as legitimately my master.

I've always felt that, in America, we're all equal. I don't care what you make or what kind of car you drive. You're not better than me.

I don't believe in elitism. I don't think the audience is this dumb person lower than me. I am the audience.

I'm trying to equalise the world to say there is no high and low.

To realize democracy it is necessary to absolutely eliminate ... colour from all State and social policy, unless you would justify ... caste, wealth, rank, birth and education, as giving title to privileged treatment ...

We are a nation without classes or special privileges.

Equal opportunity for all, special privilege for none.

The supreme test of a democracy is the measure of equality of opportunity that it affords to its citizens to rise to the highest point of authority and position.

In a country where offices are created solely for the benefit of the people no one man has any more intrinsic right to official station than another.

Democracy does not guarantee equality of conditions — it only guarantees equality of opportunity.

In a country where there is no privileged class, genius and industry may attain the highest honors.

The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colors breaking through.

There is no king of golf. Never has been, never will be. Golf is the most democratic game on Earth... It punishes and exalts us all with splendid equal opportunity.

I don't really have a political agenda, I just like things to be fair - I get angered by pomposity and privilege.