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Quotes from Edward C. Banfield

Although he has more leasure than almost anyone, the indifference ,appathy if one preferes, of the lower class person is such that he seldom makes even the simplest repaires to the place that he lives in. He is not troubled by dirt or dilapidation and he does not mind the inadequacy of public facilities such as schools, parks hospitals and libraries. Indeed, where such things exist, he may destroy them by carelessness or even by vandalism.
~ Edward C. Banfield
Every political system is an accumulation of habits, customs, prejudices, and principles that have survived a long process of trial and error and of ceaseless response to changing circumstances. If the system works well on the whole, it is a lucky accident -- the luckiest, indeed, that can befall a society.
~ Edward C. Banfield