Readings & Thoughts

Scott Ott Writer, Speaker, Video Host, Voice

[scottott]

Yes, every hero is a beautiful lie. But then so is every dream. Until it becomes reality.

Roy H. Williams, Pendulum, 2012

[scottott]

Interpretation can never transform one view into its rival. No amount of ingenuity or exegesis can make Marx's 'The Communist Manifesto' into a defense of the institution of private property. In its enduring provisions, our Constitution is most emphatically a classical liberal document. Its successful interpretation on all points dealing with text and its surrounding norms should be read in sync with the tradition of strong property rights, voluntary association, and limited government.

The Classical Liberal Constitution, Richard Epstein, 2014, p. 54

[scottott]

Dusk ducks. (at Watters Creek)

[scottott]

Moment in fountain. (at Allen, Texas)

[scottott]

Found this magnificent creation while taking out the trash. Love this artist. (at McKinney, Texas)

[scottott]

Ducks dock on swan lake. (at Towne Lake Park)

[scottott]

The store where I work at the end of a 'closing' shift. I park on the top because so few do, and I get to enjoy this view. (at Nebraska Furniture Mart)

[scottott]

To establish a government based on the consent of the governed, as the Declaration of Independence makes clear, they gave up only that portion of their rights necessary to create a limited government of the kind needed to secure all of their rights. The Founders then structured that government so that it could not jeopardize the liberty that flowed from natural rights. Even though this liberty is inherent, it is not guaranteed.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Hillsdale College graduation speech 2016, Imprimus

[scottott]

If we are content to let others do the work of replenishing and defending liberty while we consume the benefits, we will someday run out of other people's willingness to sacrifice - - or even out of courageous people willing to make the sacrifice.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, speech at Hillsdale College graduation, 2016, Imprimus

[scottott]

Do nothing is the choice of people who are afraid. Do nothing is what you do when too many people have to agree. Do nothing is what happens if one person with no upside has to accept downside responsibility for a change. What's in it for them to do anything? So they do nothing...When people have to pick, they have to confront some of the fear and organizational barriers that led to the status quo.

Seth Godin, 'Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck', 2012, p. 371

[scottott]

I haven't even read my daily Spurgeon sermon yet and the title alone has me all fired up.

[scottott]

Zoom on this one. Imagine if I had a tripod.

[scottott]

...and the profile. (at McKinney, Texas)

[scottott]

Finally, got a good shot at one of these. (at McKinney, Texas)

[scottott]

Newspapers took two cents' worth of journalism and wrapped it in ninety-eight cents worth of overhead and distraction.

Seth Godin, 'Whatcha Gonna Do with That Duck', 2012, p. 369

[scottott]

Take care, if the world does hate you, that it hates you without a cause. If the world is to oppose you, it is of no use making the world oppose you. This world is bitter enough, without putting my vinegar in it. Some people seem to fancy the world will persecute them; therefore, they put themselves into a fighting posture as if they invited persecutions. Now, I do not see any good in doing that. Do not try to make other people dislike you. Really, the opposition some people meet with is not for righteousness sake, but for their own sins sake, or their own nasty temper's sake... The persecutions you bring on yourself for your own sins, Christ has nothing to do with them; they are chastisements on you. They hated Christ without a cause; then fear not to be hated. They hated Christ without a cause; then court not to be hated, and give the world no cause for it.

Charles Spurgeon, sermon on John 15:25, June 29, 1856, The New Park Street Pulpit

[scottott]

Go straight on and you will live down your slanderers; and remember when you are most distressed, 'Thou God seest me.'

Charles Spurgeon, sermon on Genesis 16:13, June 15, 1856, The New Park Street Pulpit