Jonathan Rauch Quotes & Sayings

A liberal society stands on the proposition that we should all take seriously the idea that we might be wrong. This means we must place no one, including ourselves, beyond the reach of criticism; it means that we must allow people to err, even where the error offends and upsets, as it often will. — Jonathan Rauch

It is no solution to define words as violence or prejudice as oppression, and then by cracking down on words or thoughts pretend that we are doing something about violence and oppression. No doubt it is easier to pass a speech code or hate-crimes law and proclaim the streets safer than actually to make the streets safer, but the one must never be confused with the other ... Indeed, equating "verbal violence" with physical violence is a treacherous, mischievous business. — Jonathan Rauch

Many actors, I've read, are introverts, and many introverts, when socializing, feel like actors. — Jonathan Rauch

Indeed, one modern President abjured God altogether, ending speeches with a chaste 'Thank you very much.' This was Jimmy Carter, the most genuinely devout President of the postwar period. — Jonathan Rauch

Are introverts arrogant? Hardly. I suppose this common misconception has to do with our being more intelligent, more reflective, more independent, more level-headed, more refined, and more sensitive than extroverts. — Jonathan Rauch

Leave an extrovert alone for two minutes and he will reach for his cell phone. In contrast, after an hour or two of being socially on, we introverts need to turn off and recharge. My own formula is roughly two hours alone for every hour of socializing. This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: I'm okay, you're okay-in small doses. — Jonathan Rauch

In a liberal scientific society, to claim that you are above error is the height of irresponsibility. — Jonathan Rauch

The only thing a true introvert dislikes more than talking about himself is repeating himself. — Jonathan Rauch

More non-fringe, non-radical homosexuals emerge into public view every day. As the stereotype of the homosexual as antisocial deviant crumbles, a (political) party or faction that tolerates gay-baiting rhetoric in the name of 'family values' makes 'family values' look more and more like common bigotry. — Jonathan Rauch

After an hour or two of being socially on, we introverts need to turn off and recharge ... This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. — Jonathan Rauch

For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. — Jonathan Rauch

I'm okay, you're okay-in small doses. — Jonathan Rauch

Those who claim to be hurt by words must be led to expect nothing as compensation. Otherwise, once they learn they can get something by claiming to be hurt, they will go into the business of being offended. — Jonathan Rauch

In science we kill our hypothesis instead of each other. — Jonathan Rauch