WIST Quotations

Ivins, Molly -- Essay (2005-03), “Use It or Lose It,” The Progressive, Vol. 69, No. 3

Dave — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:19:23 +0000

Friends, soulwise, these are trying times. Now is the time for all good citizens to come to the aid of our country, and it won’t help if you all cower in places like Madison and the Upper West Side, having hot fantods over the approach of fascism. To the barricades, team. And for Lord’s sake, don’t leave your sense of humor behind.

Molly Ivins (1944–2007) American writer, political columnist [Mary Tyler Ivins]
Essay (2005-03), “Use It or Lose It,” The Progressive, Vol. 69, No. 3

The first two sentences are actually from Strunck's style guide and a typing drill / filler text.

Quote included in The Progressive memorial of Ivins (2007-02).

Churchill, Winston -- Comment (16 May 1945)

Dave — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 16:36:23 +0000

When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber.

Winston Churchill (1874–1965) British statesman and author
Comment (16 May 1945)

Churchill used this phrase on multiple occasions over the years. This one, quoted by Field Marshal Alan Brooke, War Diaries (2001), was directed at the post-war complaints of Tito and DeGaulle.

Smith, Sydney -- Letter (1842-09-13) to Lady Holland

Dave — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:00:58 +0000

It is a bore, I admit, to be past seventy, for you are left for execution, and are daily expecting the death-warrant; but, as you say, it is not anything very capital we quit. We are, at the close of life, only hurried away from stomach-aches, pains in the joints, from sleepless nights and unamusing days, from weakness, ugliness, and nervous tremors; but we shall all meet again in another planet, cured of all our defects.

Sydney Smith (1771–1845) English clergyman, essayist, wit
Letter (1842-09-13) to Lady Holland