WIST Quotations

Doctor Who (1963) -- 11×02 “Invasion of the Dinosaurs,” Part 1 (1974-01-12) [w. Malcolm Hulke]

Dave — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:43:23 +0000

GENERAL FINCH: Waiting for this mysterious scientific advisor of yours to turn up?

BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE-STEWART: That’s right, sir.

GENERAL FINCH: Hmmmm. [sarcastically] I suppose he’ll just materialize out of thin air.

BRIGADIER LETHBRIDGE-STEWART: Very probably.

Doctor Who (1963–1989) British science fiction television series, original run (BBC)
11×02 “Invasion of the Dinosaurs,” Part 1 (1974-01-12) [w. Malcolm Hulke]
(Source)

(Source (Video); dialog verified)

Fuller, Thomas (1654) -- Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 1184 (1725)

Dave — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 18:32:55 +0000

Endure Reproof when thou doest amiss. It’s a Benefit which Princes are deprived of; for they converse familiarly with very few Persons, and those make it their only Business to humour, not to advise them.

Thomas Fuller (1654–1734) English physician, preacher, aphorist, writer
Introductio ad Prudentiam, Vol. 1, # 1184 (1725)
(Source)

Sorensen, Theodore -- Decision-Making in the White House: The Olive Branch or the Arrows, ch. 7 (1963)

Dave — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 22:05:54 +0000

Consistently wise decisions can only be made by those whose wisdom is constantly challenged.

Theodore "Ted" Sorensen (1928–2010) American lawyer, writer, presidential adviser, speechwriter
Decision-Making in the White House: The Olive Branch or the Arrows, ch. 7 (1963)

Ball, George W. -- “Kennedy Up Close,” New York Review of Books (3 Feb 1994)

Dave — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 16:52:55 +0000

History is filled with undistinguished leaders who succeeded because they had a flair for selecting sound counselors.

George W. Ball (1909–1994) American diplomat and banker
“Kennedy Up Close,” New York Review of Books (3 Feb 1994)

Machiavelli, Niccolo -- The Prince, ch. 22 (1513) [tr. Ricci (1903)]

Dave — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 11:14:41 +0000

The first impression that one gets of a ruler and of his brains is from seeing the men that he has about him.

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) Italian politician, philosopher, political scientist
The Prince, ch. 22 (1513) [tr. Ricci (1903)]

Variant: "The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him!"

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 57 (1820)

Dave — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:52:59 +0000

It was observed of Elizabeth that she was weak herself, but chose wise counsellors; to which it was replied, that to choose wise counsellors was, in a prince, the highest wisdom.

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 57 (1820)
(Source)

Johnson, Lyndon -- Comment (1968-02) to Sam Houston Johnson

Dave — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:02:29 +0000

That’s just the trouble, Sam Houston — it’s always my move. And damnit, I sometimes can’t tell whether I’m making the right move or not. Now take this Vietnam mess. How in the hell can anyone know for sure what’s right and what’s wrong, Sam? I got some of the finest brains in this country — people like Dean Rusk, Walt Rostow, and Dean Acheson — making some strong and convincing arguments for us to stay in there and not pull out. Then I’ve got some people like George Ball and Fulbright — also intelligent men whose motives I can’t rightly distrust — who keep telling me we’ve got to de-escalate or run the risk of a total war. And, Sam, I’ve got to listen to both sides. […] I’ve just got to choose between my opposing experts. No way of avoiding it. But I sure as hell wish I could really know what’s right.

Lyndon B. Johnson (1908–1973) American politician, educator, US President (1963–69)
Comment (1968-02) to Sam Houston Johnson
(Source)

Recalled in Sam Houston Johnson, My Brother Lyndon, ch. 1 (1969).

Halifax, George Savile, Marquis of -- “Of Princes,” Political, Moral, and Miscellaneous Thoughts and Reflections (1750)

Dave — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:19:55 +0000

A Prince who will not undergo the Difficulty of Understanding must undergo the Danger of Trusting.

George Savile, Marquis of Halifax (1633–1695) English politician and essayist
“Of Princes,” Political, Moral, and Miscellaneous Thoughts and Reflections (1750)
(Source)

Full text.

Chesterfield (Lord) -- Letter to his son, #216 (5 Feb 1750)

Dave — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:35:01 +0000

I wish to God that you had as much pleasure in following my advice, as I have in giving it [to] you.

Lord Chesterfield (1694–1773) English statesman, wit [Philip Dormer Stanhope]
Letter to his son, #216 (5 Feb 1750)
(Source)