Randolph Bourne Quotes

Really to believe in human nature while striving to know the thousand forces that warp it from its ideal development-to call for and expect much from men and women, and not to be disappointed and embittered if they fall short- to try to do good with people rather than to them- this is my religion on its human side. And if God exists, I think that he must be in the warm sun, in the kindly actions of the people we know and read of, in the beautiful things of art and nature, and in the closeness of friendships.

~ Randolph Bourne

The American intellectuals, in their preoccupation with reality, seem to have forgotten that the real enemy is War rather than imperial Germany. There is work to be done to prevent this war of ours from passing into popular mythology as a holy crusade. What shall we do with leaders who tell us that we go to war in moral spotlessness or who make “democracy” synonymous with a republican form of government?

~ Randolph Bourne

For we do not do what we want to do, but what is easiest and most natural for us to do, and if it is easy for us to do the wrong thing, it is that that we will do.

~ Randolph Bourne

So to all who are situated as I am, I would say--Grow up as fast as you can.

~ Randolph Bourne

The ironist is ironical not because he does not care, but because he cares too much.

~ Randolph Bourne

The world has never favored the experimental life. It despises poets, fanatics, prophets and lovers.

~ Randolph Bourne

Few people even scratch the surface, much less exhaust the contemplation of their own experience.

~ Randolph Bourne

Society is one vast conspiracy for carving one into the kind of statue likes, and then placing it in the most convenient niche it has.

~ Randolph Bourne