WIST Quotations

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 8 (1963)

Dave — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:21:16 +0000

Many are saved from sin by being so inept at it.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 8 (1963)

Nietzsche, Friedrich -- The Gay Science [Die fröhliche Wissenschaft], Book 4, § 282 (1882) [tr. Kaufmann (1974)]

Dave — Fri, 03 May 2024 16:39:22 +0000

There is something laughable about the sight of authors who enjoy the rustling folds of long and involved sentences: they are trying to cover up their feet.

[Man hat Etwas zum Lachen, diese Schriftsteller zu sehen, welche die faltigen Gewänder der Periode um sich rauschen machen: sie wollen so ihre Füsse verdecken.]

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) German philosopher and poet
The Gay Science [Die fröhliche Wissenschaft], Book 4, § 282 (1882) [tr. Kaufmann (1974)]

Also known as La Gaya Scienza, The Joyful Wisdom, or The Joyous Science.

(Source (German)). Other translations:

It is something laughable to see those writers who make the folding robes of their periods rustle around them: they want to cover their feet.
[tr. Common (1911)]

There is something laughable about those writers who make the folded drapery of their period rustle around them; they want to hide their feet.
[tr. Hill (2018)]

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- Essay (1841), “Prudence,” Essays: First Series, No. 7

Dave — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:49:15 +0000

If the hive be disturbed by rash and stupid hands, instead of honey, it will yield us bees.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
Essay (1841), “Prudence,” Essays: First Series, No. 7

Based on a lecture (winter 1837–1838), Boston, the seventh in his course on "Human Culture."

Milne, A. A. -- Winnie-the-Pooh, ch. 7 “Kanga and Baby Roo Come to the Forest” (1926)

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

“Look at me jumping” squeaked Roo, and fell into another mouse-hole.

A. A. Milne (1882–1956) English poet and playwright [Alan Alexander Milne]
Winnie-the-Pooh, ch. 7 “Kanga and Baby Roo Come to the Forest” (1926)