WIST Quotations

Alger, William -- “The Utility and the Futility of Aphorisms,” Atlantic Monthly (Feb 1863)

Dave — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 06:10:21 +0000

The best aphorisms are pointed expressions of the results of observation, experience, and reflection. They are portable wisdom, the quintessential extracts of thought and feeling. They furnish the largest amount of intellectual stimulus and nutriment in the smallest compass. About every weak point in human nature, or vicious spot in human life, there is deposited a crystallization of warning and protective proverbs.

William Rounseville Alger (1822–1905) American writer, minister, translator
“The Utility and the Futility of Aphorisms,” Atlantic Monthly (Feb 1863)
(Source)

Often paraphrased, "Aphorisms are portable wisdom."

Alger, William -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

We give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain.

William Rounseville Alger (1822–1905) American writer, minister, translator
(Attributed)

Alger, William -- (Attributed)

Dave — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:11:45 +0000

Most men give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain.

William Rounseville Alger (1822–1905) American writer, minister, translator
(Attributed)

In Raphael Lewin, ed., The New Era, vol. 2 (1872).