WIST

The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool.

Jane Wagner (b. 1935) American humorist, writer, director
(Attributed)

No matter how cynical you become, it’s never enough to keep up.

Jane Wagner (b. 1935) American humorist, writer, director
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1985) [perf. Lily Tomlin]
Variant: "No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up."

It’s my belief we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain.

Jane Wagner (b. 1935) American humorist, writer, director
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1985) [perf. Lily Tomlin]
Variant: "Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain."

Reality is a collective hunch.

Jane Wagner (b. 1935) American humorist, writer, director
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (1985) [perf. Lily Tomlin]

The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.

Jane Wagner (b. 1935) American humorist, writer, director
Material written for Lily Tomlin
Quoted by Tomlin in "Thoughts on the Business of Life," Forbes (4 Mar 1991)