H. L. Mencken, as quoted in The Oxford Dictionary of Political Quotations (1996) edited by Antony Jay
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The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression.
— H. L. Mencken on Fanaticism
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression." in the context of "H. L. Mencken, as quoted in The Oxford Dictionary of Political Quotations (1996) edited by Antony Jay" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Fanaticism" (Quotes: Alphabetized by author )
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About H. L. Mencken
Henry Louis Mencken (12 September 1880 – 29 January 1956), known as H. L. Mencken, was a twentieth-century journalist, satirist, social critic, cynic, and freethinker, known as the "Sage of Baltimore" and the "American Nietzsche". He is often regarded as one of the most influential American writers of the early 20th century.
About H. L. Mencken
Henry Louis Mencken (12 September 1880 – 29 January 1956), known as H. L. Mencken, was a twentieth-century journalist, satirist, social critic, cynic, and freethinker, known as the "Sage of Baltimore" and the "American Nietzsche". He is often regarded as one of the most influential American writers of the early 20th century.
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