The Sage of Baltimore

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything philosophical, so here are some words of wisdom from

H. L. Mencken, the Mencken Creed:

I believe that religion, generally speaking, has been a curse to mankind – that its modest and greatly overestimated services on the ethical side have been more than overcome by the damage it has done to clear and honest thinking.

I believe that no discovery of fact, however trivial, can be wholly useless to the race, and that no trumpeting of falsehood, however virtuous in intent, can be anything but vicious.

I believe that all government is evil, in that all government must necessarily make war upon liberty…

I believe that the evidence for immortality is no better than the evidence of witches, and deserves no more respect.

I believe in the complete freedom of thought and speech…

I believe in the capacity of man to conquer his world, and to find out what it is made of, and how it is run.

I believe in the reality of progress.

I – But the whole thing, after all, may be put very simply. I believe that it is better to tell the truth than to lie. I believe that it is better to be free than to be a slave. And I believe that it is better to know than be ignorant.

That is a system of belief I can get behind. And also, his feelings on alcohol, to wit:

“I’m ombibulous. I drink every known alcoholic drink and enjoy them all.” -H. L. Mencken

If you want a reason to party in September, the Saturday closest to September 12 is Mencken Day (it’s the 10th this year). If you’re feeling philanthropic, give some cash to the Friends of the H. L. Mencken House to support their efforts to reopen 1524 Hollins Street to the public.

Yours truly,

Mr. X

…ombibulous…