The main gain of modern man has been the weakening of governments. Unfortunately, that process is now reversed, not only in Europe, but also in America. There is a constant accession of governmental authority and power. It works inevitably toward the disadvantage of the only sort of man who is worth hello room, to wit, the man who practices some useful trade in a competent manner, makes a living at it, pays his own way, and asks only to be left alone. He is now a pariah in all so-called civilization.

HL Mencken’s Notebooks, p. 17
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