physical vigor Quotes



Spinoza was one of the most feared intellectuals in human history—feared that is by the established power structures. He is the only known person who was excommunicated by the Catholics, the Jews and the Muslims—all were forbidden to read his works. He was the enemy of authority and advocated personal reason as the guide for men.


This quotation dramatically shows one of the class and occupational bias that existed during the Civil War and, albeit to a lesser extent, still existed till the draft was ended after the Vietnam War. The upper and professional classes had connections with physicians and others controlling the drafting process, and any possible physical infirmity was used by the powerful and well connected to gan a deferment.