Opus 2013-90: Immortal Quotes: Sacrificing Liberty, Revisited, Part 1 of 3

We have heard the quote about not being able to have liberty and security at the same time.  I have heard it quoted in many varieties and attributed to many sages.  You know the one I mean.  I wrote about it once before.  Based on a little googling it seems the full form of the quote is a little more complex.

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

I have a variation on that: 

It is not possible for the common people to have ease and liberty at the same time. 

I think this might strike home a little more because most people are not worried about the war on terror as much as they are about how easy it is to get on line.  Most people are not worried about the government spying because they don’t think it will effect them.  People are physically and intellectually lazy.  Or am I the only one?

When I bought my first computer I had to make a decision about software.  In reading the documentation I came across the statement that the easier a program is to learn, the less flexibility you have.  When I thought about it, that made sense.  I bought that program.  You might remember it if you are old enough.  I was called Word Star.  Yes it was hard to learn but it gave me an incredible amount of flexibility. 

If you understand and accept that basic premise then take it a little further.  (If you don’t go get your remote control and watch cartoons.)  Now, extend that principle to other areas of our lives.  Since I am a conservative in the liberal sea of education I apply it to my world.

To be continued...

homo unius libri