WIST

Democracy is the recurrent suspicion that more than half of the people are right more than half of the time.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
“Talk of the Town,” New Yorker (3 Jul 1943)

It is easier for a man to be loyal to his club than to his planet; the by-laws are shorter, and he is personally acquainted with the other members.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
(Attributed)

If the world were merely seductive, that would be easy. If it were merely challenging, that would be no problem. But I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world, and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
(Attributed)

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting laundry.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
(Attributed)

I have one share in corporate Earth, and I am nervous about the management.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
(Attributed)

Weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society — things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
(Attributed)

I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
(Attributed)

Anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his time. You have to write up, not down.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
Interview by G. Plimpton, F. Crowther, The Paris Review (1969)
Full text.

The press in our free country is reliable and useful not because of its good character but because of its great diversity. As long as there are many owners, each pursuing his own brand of truth, we the people have an opportunity to arrive at the truth and to dwell in the light. The multiplicity of ownership is crucial. It’s only when there are a few owners, or, as in a government-controlled press, one owner, that truth becomes illusive and the light fails.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
Letter to W. B. Jones (30 Jan 1976)

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.

E.B. White (1899-1985) American author, critic, humorist [Elwyn Brooks White]
Recalled on his death, Newsweek (14 Oct 1985)