Word: distrusters
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Which, then, has more application to modern life, the people's phrases or the aristocrats'? Not aphorisms, says the proverb: "Fine words butter no parsnips." Not proverbs, insists Alfred North Whitehead's terse dictum: "Seek simplicity and distrust it." Still, both categories are noted not only for their concision but their consolation. Collectors of aphorisms may yet find support from the biblical proverb "Knowledge increaseth strength." As for the partisans of folk sayings, they can for once side with the fastidious William Wordsworth...
...there is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust," wrote James Madison back in 1788, "so there are other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form." Madison bet on that. Perhaps it is time to reaffirm the belief that there still is sufficient virtue among us for citizens to play a leading role in government...
There is something else to consider: America may no longer be so enthralled by the freshness and energy of youth. There is a detectable distrust of brilliance not tempered or cooled by experience. The qualities that many Americans feel are most needed in a President today-historical perspective, intuition, patience, courage, wisdom-are those most likely to come from long, sweaty years in the arena. The complexities of the issues, not to mention the gravity of international relations in a nuclear age, may require that our Presidents serve as understudies longer than ever before...
...American University speech arose from a simple but wise impulse. "If we cannot end now our differences," he said, "at least we can help make the world safe for diversity." Kennedy had reason to hate and distrust, having just come through the Cuban missile crisis, in which the Soviets lied, tricked, cheated and bullied. Yet his experience brought forbearance and long nights of thought. There must be a better way, he told Sorensen...
...Vietnamese make little effort to hide their dislike and distrust of the Soviets. Hanoi signed its friendship treaty with Moscow in 1978 primarily because of the promised financial help. Since then the Vietnamese have been resisting Soviet attempts to gain greater influence within the country. The advisers are allowed to move freely throughout the North, but their travel in the South is severely restricted. In Saigon, for example, Soviets working out of the consulate, formerly the U.S. ambassador's residence, need special permission to travel more than seven miles beyond the city limits...