WIST Quotations

Helprin, Mark -- Memoir from Antproof Case, “The First Man I Killed” (1995)

Dave — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 14:47:25 +0000

The voodoo priest and all his powers were as nothing compared to espresso, cappuccino, and mocha, which are stronger than all the religions of the world combined, and perhaps stronger than the human soul itself.

Mark Helprin (b. 1947) American novelist, journalist, commentator
Memoir from Antproof Case, “The First Man I Killed” (1995)
(Source)

Eliot, T. S. -- “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” l. 51 (1915)

Dave — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:08:01 +0000

I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.

T. S. Eliot (1888-1965) American-British poet, critic, playwright [Thomas Stearns Eliot]
“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” l. 51 (1915)
(Source)

Dinesen, Isak -- “The Supper at Elsinore,” Seven Gothic Tales (1934)

Dave — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:03:21 +0000

Coffee, according to the women of Denmark, is to the body what the word of the Lord is to the soul.

Isak Dinesen (1885-1962) Danish writer [pseud. of Karen Christence, Countess Blixen]
“The Supper at Elsinore,” Seven Gothic Tales (1934)
(Source)

Barry, Dave -- “Decaf Poopacino,” Dave Barry Is Not Taking This Sitting Down! (2000)

Dave — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 14:39:42 +0000

It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity.

Dave Barry (b. 1947) American humorist, author, columnist
“Decaf Poopacino,” Dave Barry Is Not Taking This Sitting Down! (2000)
(Source)

Talleyrand -- (Attributed)

Dave — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:38:23 +0000

A cup of coffee lightly tempered with good milk detracts Nothing from your intellect; on the contrary, your stomach is freed by it, and no longer distresses your brain: it will not hamper your mind with troubles, but give freedom to its working. Suave molecules of Mocha stir up your blood, without causing excessive heat; the organ of thought receives from it a feeling of sympathy; work becomes easier, and you will sit down without distress to your principal repast, which will restore your body, and afford you a calm delicious night.

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838) French secularized clergyman, statesman, wit, diplomat
(Attributed)
(Source)

Talleyrand -- (Attributed)

Dave — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 17:29:41 +0000

Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.

[Noir comme le diable, chaud comme l’enfer, pur comme un ange, doux comme l’amour.]

Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord (1754-1838) French secularized clergyman, statesman, wit, diplomat
(Attributed)
(Source)

Elements of a good cup of coffee.

Frederick II (the Great) -- Proclamation (13 Sep 1777)

Dave — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 12:27:21 +0000

It is disgusting to notice the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects. … If possible, this must be prevented. My people must drink beer.

Frederick II (1712-1786) King of Prussia (Frederick the Great, Friedrich der Große)
Proclamation (13 Sep 1777)

Martin, Steve -- L. A. Story (1991)

Dave — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:03:31 +0000

TOM: I’ll have a decaf coffee.
TRUDI: I’ll have a decaf espresso.
MORRIS: I’ll have a double decaf cappuccino.
TED: Give me decaffeinated coffee ice cream.
HARRIS: I’ll have a half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon.
TRUDI: I’ll have a twist of lemon.
TOM: I’ll have a twist of lemon.
MORRIS: I’ll have a twist of lemon.
CYNTHIA: I’ll have a twist of lemon.

Steve Martin (b. 1945) American comedian, actor, writer, producer, musician
L. A. Story (1991)
(Source)

(Source (Video))

Pratchett, Terry -- Good Omens, 7. “Sunday” (1990) [with Neil Gaiman]

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 19:00:00 +0000

In the end, as every human being who has ever breakfasted on their own in someone else’s kitchen has done since nearly the dawn of time, he made do with unsweetened instant black coffee.

Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) English author
Good Omens, 7. “Sunday” (1990) [with Neil Gaiman]
(Source)

Lindbergh, Anne Morrow -- Gift From the Sea, ch. 6 “Argonauta” (1955)

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

Good communication is stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001) American writer, pilot
Gift From the Sea, ch. 6 “Argonauta” (1955)
(Source)

Often misquoted as "is as stimulating" or "is just as stimulating as."