The first mistake of art is to assume that it’s serious.
—Lester Bangs, 1971
Archive
Quotes
Politics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage.
—Ambrose Bierce, 1906Every man has a lurking wish to appear considerable in his native place.
—Samuel Johnson, 1771Commerce tends to wear off those prejudices which maintain distinction and animosity between nations.
—William Robertson, 1769Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.
—Herbert Hoover, 1936A hick town is one where there is no place to go where you shouldn’t go.
—Alexander Woollcott, c. 1935The brain is an unreliable organ, it is monstrously great, monstrously developed. Swollen, like a goiter.
—Aleksandr Blok, c. 1920The more corrupt the republic, the more numerous the laws.
—Tacitus, c. 117Revolutions are always verbose.
—Leon Trotsky, 1933A man who exposes himself when he is intoxicated has not the art of getting drunk.
—Samuel Johnson, 1779The man in constant fear is every day condemned.
—Publilius Syrus, c. 50 BCThere are people whom one loves immediately and forever. Even to know they are alive in the world with one is quite enough.
—Nancy Spain, 1956A woman should never be seen eating or drinking unless it be lobster salad and champagne, the only truly feminine and becoming viands.
—Lord Byron, 1812