WIST Quotations

Roosevelt, Eleanor -- Column (1942-01-14), “My Day”

Dave — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:56:07 +0000

Long ago, I made up my mind that, when things were said involving only me, I would pay no attention to them, except when valid criticism was carried by which I could profit.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) First Lady of the US (1933–1945), politician, diplomat, activist
Column (1942-01-14), “My Day”
(Source)

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 4 (1963)

Dave — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 15:22:12 +0000

Nobody wants constructive criticism; it’s all we can do to put up with constructive praise.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913-1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 4 (1963)
(Source)

Maher, Bill -- “Bill Maher, Incorrect American Patriot,” Interview with Sharon Waxman, Washington Post (8 Nov 2002)

Dave — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 15:37:56 +0000

I don’t ever lose sight of the fact that this country is the best one. I don’t care nearly as much about other societies. My country is the one I want to make better. But I do think the patriotic thing to do is to critique my country. How else do you make a country better but by pointing out its flaws?

William "Bill" Maher (b. 1956) American comedian, political commentator, critic, television host.
“Bill Maher, Incorrect American Patriot,” Interview with Sharon Waxman, Washington Post (8 Nov 2002)
(Source)

Penn, William -- Some Fruits of Solitude, # 46 (1693)

Dave — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:35:44 +0000

They have a Right to censure that have a Heart to help: The rest is Cruelty, not Justice.

William Penn (1644-1718) English writer, philosopher, politician, statesman
Some Fruits of Solitude, # 46 (1693)