Had I been present at the Creation, I would have given some useful hints for the better ordering of the universe.
[Si hubiera estado presente en la Creación, habría dado algunas indicaciones útiles.]Alfonso X (1221–1284) Spanish King of Castile and Leon
(Attributed)
Sometimes given as (or a parallel): "If the Lord Almighty had consulted me before embarking upon Creation, I should have recommended something simpler." On studying (or having explained to him) the Ptolemaic system of astronomy. Thomas Carlyle in The History of Frederick the Great, Bk II, ch. 8, wrote that Alfonso's saying about Ptolemy's treatise -- "that it seemed a crank machine; that it was a pity the Creator had not taken advice" -- was remembered better than any of his other many sayings.
Quotations by:
Alfonso X
Those who knowingly allow the King to err deserve the same punishment as traitors.
[Los que dejan al rey errar a sabiendas, merecen pena como traidores.]
Alfonso X (1221–1284) Spanish King of Castile and Leon
(Attributed)Quoted in Vicente Vega, Diccionario ilustrado de frases célebres y citas literarias (1952)
Burn old wood, read old books, drink old wines, have old friends.
[Quemad viejos leños, leed viejos libros, bebed viejos vinos, tened viejos amigos.]
Alfonso X (1221–1284) Spanish King of Castile and Leon
(Attributed)Quoted in L. F. Betancourt, Aire puro para el amor y la amistad.
The emptiest pitchers make the most noise.
[Los cántaros cuanto más vacios, más ruido hacen.]
Alfonso X (1221–1284) Spanish King of Castile and Leon
(Attributed)