To conservatives, the political excesses (of the French Revolution) are a terrifying instance of what happens when radicals turn their backs on the past. For them, society was an organic whole rooted in tradition; to apply first principles without respect for inherited institutions was a threat to the very fabric of the social order … they [recognised] that mankind was not so free from the hand of the past as they had supposed, that progressive change must be built on the accumulative achievements of earlier generations. (John Tosh)

I solemnly declare that I will abide by the aims and objectives of the African National Congress as set out in the Constitution, the Freedom Charter and other duly adopted policy positions, that I am joining the organization voluntarily and without motives of material advantage or personal gain, that I agree to respect the Constitution and the structures and to work as a loyal member of the organization, that I will place my energies and skills at the disposal of the organization and carry out tasks given to me, that I will work towards making the ANC an even more effective instrument of liberation in the hands of the people, and that I will defend the unity and integrity of the organization and its principles, and combat any tendency towards disruption and factionalism’ (the ANC's Oath)

I spent my life protecting my family .. I did whatever I could to protect [it] from the horrors of this world .. I commanded this family, right or wrong (‘Michael’ – Godfather III)