Some of us would be greatly astonished to learn the reasons why others respect us.
—Marquis de Vauvenargues, 1746
Archive
Quotes
my mind is
a big hunk of irrevocable nothing
Men willingly believe what they wish.
—Julius Caesar, c. 50 BCEnvy and hatred are apt to blind the eyes and render them unable to behold things as they are.
—Margaret of Valois, c. 1600Far water cannot quench near fire.
—Japanese proverbTo be sick is to enjoy monarchal prerogatives.
—Charles Lamb, 1833The decline of the aperitif may well be one of the most depressing phenomena of our time.
—Luis Buñuel, 1983Africa has her mysteries, and even a wise man cannot understand them. But a wise man respects them.
—Miriam Makeba, 1988Necessity knows no law except to conquer.
—Publilius Syrus, c. 50 BCTime, when it is left to itself and no definite demands are made on it, cannot be trusted to move at any recognized pace. Usually it loiters, but just when one has come to count upon its slowness, it may suddenly break into a wild irrational gallop.
—Edith Wharton, 1905Someone will remember us
I say
even in another time.
A lifetime of happiness! No man alive could bear it: it would be hell on earth.
—George Bernard Shaw, 1903In the past, men created witches; now they create mental patients.
—Thomas Szasz, 1970