WIST Quotations

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:06:36 +0000

The King’s cheese is half wasted in parings: But no matter, ’tis made of the peoples milk.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

Rogers, Will -- Column (1928-01-01), “Daily Telegram”

Dave — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:46:48 +0000

Boys, have you been following those appropriations? Well, Secretary Mellon has asked Congress to please wait till after March 15, when the new income taxes come in, before passing any legislation, as he don’t know how much there will be, if any. But Congress says: No, we are going to divide it up now, whether there is any to divide or not. What do you suppose we are in Congress for, if it ain’t to split up the swag? Please pass the gravy.

Will Rogers (1879-1935) American humorist
Column (1928-01-01), “Daily Telegram”
(Source)

Numerous shortened variants of this can be found online. Written while in Beverly Hills.

Wilde, Oscar -- (Attributed)

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

WILDE: I wish I had said that.
WHISTLER: You will, Oscar, you will.

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) Irish poet, wit, dramatist
(Attributed)

An anecdotal exchange between Wilde and James Whistler, associated with how Wilde was known for reusing epigrams and witticisms from various folk, usually not crediting them.

References to the exchange date back, in various sources and forms, as far as 1886, with the specific language varying, and the original bon mot from (usually) Whistler not mentioned. More details and discussion: “I Wish I Had Said That” “You Will, Oscar, You Will” – Quote Investigator®.