WIST Quotations

Johnson, Samuel -- Essay (1758-11-11), The Idler, No. 30

Dave — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:48:49 +0000

The desires of man increase with his acquisitions; every step which he advances brings something within his view, which he did not see before, and which, as soon as he sees it, he begins to want. Where necessity ends, curiosity begins; and no sooner are we supplied with every thing that nature can demand, than we sit down to contrive artificial appetites.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
Essay (1758-11-11), The Idler, No. 30
(Source)

Marlowe, Christopher -- The Tragicall History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, Epilogue (1594; 1604 “A” text)

Dave — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:27:55 +0000

CHORUS: Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight,
And burnèd is Apollo’s laurel bough,
That sometime grew within this learnèd man.
Faustus is gone. Regard his hellish fall,
Whose fiendful fortune may exhort the wise
Only to wonder at unlawful things,
Whose deepness doth entice such forward wits,
To practise more than heavenly power permits.

Christopher "Kit" Marlowe (1564–1593) English dramatist and poet
The Tragicall History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, Epilogue (1594; 1604 “A” text)
(Source)

Final lines of the play, with the further written remark "Terminat hora diem; terminat auctor opus. [Finished the hour of the day; finished the author of the work]"

In the "B" text (written 1594; published 1616), this chorus is replaced by a scene 5.3, with the Scholars returning, finding Faustus torn to pieces by demons, expressing regret, and resolving to give him a funeral.

Roosevelt, Eleanor -- You Learn by Living, ch. 1 “Learning to Learn” (1960)

Dave — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:42:30 +0000

One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. They will gravitate as automatically as the needle to the north. Somehow, it is unnecessary, in any cold-blooded sense, to sit down and put your head in your hands and plan them. All you need to do is to be curious, receptive, eager for experience. And there’s one strange thing: when you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) American politician, diplomat, activist; First Lady of the US (1933–45)
You Learn by Living, ch. 1 “Learning to Learn” (1960)
(Source)

Russell, Bertrand -- Conquest of Happiness, Part 2, ch. 11 “Zest” (1930)

Dave — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:39:53 +0000

The more things a man is interested in, the more opportunities of happiness he has, and the less he is at the mercy of fate, since if he loses one thing he can fall back upon another. Life is too short to be interested in everything, but it is good to be interested in as many things as are necessary to fill our days. We are all prone to the malady of the introvert, who, with the manifold spectacle of the world spread out before him, turns away and gazes only upon the emptiness within.

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) English mathematician and philosopher
Conquest of Happiness, Part 2, ch. 11 “Zest” (1930)
(Source)

Zahn, Timothy -- Thrawn Ascendancy, Book 1: Chaos Rising, ch. 15 [Thrawn] (2020)

Dave — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:28:15 +0000

All beings possess imagination to varying degrees. It can be encouraged and nurtured, or can sometimes shine out in moments of stress. But curiosity is a choice. Some wish to have it. Others don’t.

Timothy Zahn (b. 1951) American writer
Thrawn Ascendancy, Book 1: Chaos Rising, ch. 15 [Thrawn] (2020)
(Source)

Michelangelo -- (Attributed)

Dave — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:50:53 +0000

I am still learning.

[Ancora imparo.]

Michelangelo (1475–1564) Italian artist, architect, poet [Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni]
(Attributed)

Also rendered Anchora imparo. This is often described as a daily mantra of Michelangelo's. This association can be traced to Richard Duppa, The Lives and Works of Michael Angelo and Raphael (1806) [tr. Hazlitt]. Duppa misattributed to Michelangelo a drawing by Domenico Giuntalodi, which included the saying. The phrase itself was popular during the 16th Century.

While there's no indication that Michelangelo did not say this, or agree with the sentiment, it does not seem to have been solidly cited to him, or shown to be a personal motto, let alone being original to him.

More discussion: Michelangelo - Wikiquote.

L'Amour, Louis -- Education of a Wandering Man: A Memoir, ch. 11 (1989)

Dave — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 18:41:58 +0000

What had men thought? What had men believed? How did they come by those thoughts and beliefs? How had men learned to govern themselves? Were the processes the same everywhere?

Did man build cities because of an inner drive, like that of a beaver to build dams? How much of what we do is free will, and how much is programmed in our genes? Why is each people so narrow that it believes that it, and it alone, has all the answers? In religion, is there but one road to salvation? Or are there many, all equally good, all going in the same general direction?

I have read my books by many lights, hoarding their beauty, their wit or wisdom against the dark days when I would have no book, nor a place to read.

I have known hunger of the belly kind many times over, but I have known a worse hunger: the need to know and to learn.

Louis L'Amour (1908–1988) American writer
Education of a Wandering Man: A Memoir, ch. 11 (1989)
(Source)

Pratchett, Terry -- Discworld No. 26, Thief of Time (2001)

Dave — Fri, 26 May 2023 20:15:50 +0000

Of course someone would be that stupid. Some humans would do anything to see if it was possible to do it. If you put a large switch in some cave somewhere, with a sign on it saying “End-of-the-World Switch. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH,” the paint wouldn’t even have time to dry.

Terry Pratchett (1948–2015) English author
Discworld No. 26, Thief of Time (2001)
(Source)

Bradbury, Ray -- “The Fantasy Makers: A Conversation with Ray Bradbury and Chuck Jones,” Interview by Mary Harrington Hall, Psychology Today (Apr 1968)

Dave — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:52:37 +0000

All through history in every culture we’ve had to make up mythology to explain death to ourselves and to explain life to ourselves.

Ray Bradbury (1920–2012) American writer, futurist, fabulist
“The Fantasy Makers: A Conversation with Ray Bradbury and Chuck Jones,” Interview by Mary Harrington Hall, Psychology Today (Apr 1968)
(Source)

Cicero, Marcus Tullius -- De Officiis [On Duties; On Moral Duty; The Offices], Book 1, ch. 4 (1.4) / sec. 13 (44 BC) [tr. Miller (1913)]

Dave — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 18:35:47 +0000

Above all, the search after truth and its eager pursuit are peculiar to man. And so, when we have leisure from the demands of business cares, we are eager to see, to hear, to learn something new, and we esteem a desire to know the secrets or wonders of creation as indispensable to a happy life. Thus we come to understand that what is true, simple, and genuine appeals most strongly to a man’s nature.

[In primisque hominis est propria veri inquisitio atque investigatio. Itaque cum sumus necessariis negotiis curisque vacui, tum avemus aliquid videre, audire, addiscere cognitionemque rerum aut occultarum aut admirabilium ad beate vivendum necessarian! ducimus. Ex quo intellegitur, quod verum, simplex sincerumque sit, id esse naturae hominis aptissimum.]

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) Roman orator, statesman, philosopher
De Officiis [On Duties; On Moral Duty; The Offices], Book 1, ch. 4 (1.4) / sec. 13 (44 BC) [tr. Miller (1913)]
(Source)

Original Latin. Alt. trans.:

But of all the properties and inclinations of men, there is none more natural and peculiar to them than an earnest desire and search after truth. Hence it is that our minds are no sooner free from the thoughts and engagements of necessary business, but we presently long to be either seeing, or hearing, or learning of something; and esteem the knowledge of things secret and wonderful as a necessary ingredient of a happy life. Whence it appears that nothing is more agreeable and suited to the nature and minds of men than undisguised openness, truth, and sincerity.
[tr. Cockman (1699)]

The desire and investigation of truth is proper to man. When disengaged from necessary business and cares, we are eager to add to our knowledge by examining for ourselves or listening to others. The discovery of what is secret or wonderful, we are disposed to conceive essential to happiness. Hence, what is true, simple, and undisguised, is best adapted to human nature.
[tr. McCartney (1798)]

Before all other things, man is distinguished by his pursuit and investigation of TRUTH. And hence, when free from needful business and cares, we delight to see, to hear, and to communicate, and consider a knowledge of many admirable and abstruse things necessary to the good conduct and happiness of our lives: whence it is clear that whatsoever is TRUE, simple, and direct, the same is most congenial to our nature as men.
[In John Frederick William Herschel, A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy, Epigraph (1830)]

The distinguishing property of man is to search for and to follow after truth. Therefore, when relaxed from our necessary cares and concerns, we then covet to see, to hear, and to learn somewhat; and we esteem knowledge of things either obscure or wonderful to be the indispensable means of living happily. From this we understand that truth, simplicity, and candour, are most agreeable to the nature of mankind.
[tr. Edmonds (1865)]

The research and investigation of truth, also, are a special property of man. Thus, when we are free from necessary occupations, we want to see, or hear, or learn something, and regard the knowledge of things either secret or wonderful as essential to our living happily and well.
[tr. Peabody (1883)]

The distinctive faculty of man is his eager desire to investigate the truth. Thus, when free from pressing duties and cares, we are eager to see or hear, or learn something new, and we think our happiness is incomplete unless we study the mysteries and the marvels of the universe.
[tr. Gardiner (1899)]

The first duty of man is the seeking after and the investigation of truth.
[ed. Harbottle (1906)

Inquiry into and searching for truth are primary characteristics of mankind. So when we are free from business obligations and other preoccupations, we become eager to see something new, to hear and learn something; we begin to think that knowledge about the mysteries and wonders of the world is necessary to a happy life.
[tr. Edinger (1974)]

Nansen, Fridtjof -- “A New Route to the North Pole,” The Forum (Aug 1891)

Dave — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 01:04:58 +0000

The history of the human race is a continual struggle from darkness towards light. It is, therefore, to no purpose to discuss the use of knowledge; man wants to know, and when he ceases to do so, he is no longer man.

Fridtjof Nansen (1861–1930) Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat, humanitarian
“A New Route to the North Pole,” The Forum (Aug 1891)
(Source)

Raymond, Eric S. -- The Cathedral and the Bazaar, ch. 2, Rule 18 (1999)

Dave — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 23:53:02 +0000

To solve an interesting problem, start by finding a problem that is interesting to you.

Eric S. Raymond (b. 1957) American software developer, writer [a.k.a. ESR]
The Cathedral and the Bazaar, ch. 2, Rule 18 (1999)
(Source)

Forster, E. M. -- “George and Gide” Two Cheers for Democracy (1951)

Dave — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:19:05 +0000

The humanist has four leading characteristics — curiosity, a free mind, belief in good taste, and belief in the human race.

E. M. Forster (1879–1970) English novelist, essayist, critic, librettist [Edward Morgan Forster]
“George and Gide” Two Cheers for Democracy (1951)
(Source)

Mann, Horace -- (Attributed)

Dave — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 20:49:27 +0000

A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn, is hammering cold iron.

Horace Mann (1796–1859) American politician, abolitionist, education reformer
(Attributed)
(Source)

Horace Mann died in 1859. Earliest reference found is in Mary Mann, ed., Thoughts Selected from the Writings of Horace Mann (1867); Mary was his second wife. The "writing" referenced is not identified.

Other early references are in Eclectic Magazine, Vol. 7, #6 (1868-06), and in The Myrtle, Vol. 24, #40 (1875-01-30).

Emerson, Ralph Waldo -- Journal (1830-08-18)

Dave — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 21:14:53 +0000

The sun shines and warms and lights us and we have no curiosity to know why this is so; but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain, and hunger, and mosquitoes and silly people

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) American essayist, lecturer, poet
Journal (1830-08-18)

Heinlein, Robert A. -- Methuselah’s Children [Lazarus Long] (1958)

Dave — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:27:46 +0000

There ought not to be anything in the whole universe that man can’t poke his nose into — that’s the way we’re built and I assume that there’s some reason for it.

Robert A. Heinlein (1907–1988) American writer
Methuselah’s Children [Lazarus Long] (1958)

Pratchett, Terry -- Discworld No. 4, Mort (1987)

Dave — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:12:02 +0000

Albert grunted. “Do you know what happens to lads who ask too many questions?”
Mort thought for a moment. “No,” he said eventually, “what?”
There was silence.
Then Albert straightened up and said, “Damned if I know. Probably they get answers, and serve ’em right.”

Terry Pratchett (1948–2015) English author
Discworld No. 4, Mort (1987)
(Source)

Bernard, Claude -- Bulletin of New York Academy of Medicine, Vol. 4 (1928)

Dave — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 17:06:18 +0000

Man can learn nothing unless he proceeds from the known to the unknown.

Claude Bernard (1813–1878) French physiologist, scientist
Bulletin of New York Academy of Medicine, Vol. 4 (1928)

Sagan, Carl -- “The Burden of Skepticism,” Pasadena lecture (1987)

Dave — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:29:03 +0000

It seems to me what is called for is an exquisite balance between two conflicting needs: the most skeptical scrutiny of all hypotheses that are served up to us and at the same time a great openness to new ideas. Obviously those two modes of thought are in some tension. But if you are able to exercise only one of these modes, whichever one it is, you’re in deep trouble.

If you are only skeptical, then no new ideas make it through to you. You never learn anything new. You become a crotchety old person convinced that nonsense is ruling the world. (There is, of course, much data to support you.) But every now and then, maybe once in a hundred cases, a new idea turns out to be on the mark, valid and wonderful. If you are too much in the habit of being skeptical about everything, you are going to miss or resent it, and either way you will be standing in the way of understanding and progress.

On the other hand, if you are open to the point of gullibility and have not an ounce of skeptical sense in you, then you cannot distinguish useful ideas from the worthless ones. If all ideas have equal validity then you are lost, because then, it seems to me, no ideas have any validity at all.

Carl Sagan (1934–1996) American scientist and writer
“The Burden of Skepticism,” Pasadena lecture (1987)
(Source)

Reprinted in The Skeptical Inquirer (Fall 1987).

Gaiman, Neil -- Sandman, Book 6. Fables and Reflections, # 31 “Three Septembers and a January” (1991-10)

Dave — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:04:17 +0000

NORTON I: I must confess, I have always wondered what lay beyond life, my dear.

DEATH: Yeah, everybody wonders. And sooner or later everybody gets to find out.

Neil Gaiman (b. 1960) British author, screenwriter, fabulist
Sandman, Book 6. Fables and Reflections, # 31 “Three Septembers and a January” (1991-10)
(Source)

Johnson, Samuel -- The Rambler, #103 (12 Mar 1751)

Dave — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:11 +0000

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
The Rambler, #103 (12 Mar 1751)
(Source)

Einstein, Albert -- Letter (1952-03-11) to Carl Seelig [Einstein Archive 39-013]

Dave — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:19:28 +0000

I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-American physicist
Letter (1952-03-11) to Carl Seelig [Einstein Archive 39-013]

Similar wording was used in a letter (1953-03-04) to Hans Muehsam [Einstein Archive 38-424].

King, David Tyron -- Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 2×02 “Some Assembly Required” (1997)

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

GILES: Grave robbing? That’s new, interesting.
BUFFY: I know you meant to say ‘gross and disturbing.’
GILES: Yes, of course. It’s a terrible thing, must put a stop to it.

David Tyron "Ty" King (b. 1959) American screenwriter, television producer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 2×02 “Some Assembly Required” (1997)

Einstein, Albert -- Memoirs of William Miller, quoted in Life (2 May 1955)

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

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day.

Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-American physicist
Memoirs of William Miller, quoted in Life (2 May 1955)
(Source)

Augustine of Hippo -- Confessions, Book 1, ch. 14 / ¶ 23 (1.14.23) (c. AD 398) [tr. Pine-Coffin (1961)]

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

This clearly shows that we learn better in a free spirit of curiosity than under fear and compulsion.

[Hinc satis elucet maiorem habere vim ad discenda ista liberam curiositatem quam meticulosam necessitatem.]

Augustine of Hippo (354–430) Christian church father, philosopher, saint [b. Aurelius Augustinus]
Confessions, Book 1, ch. 14 / ¶ 23 (1.14.23) (c. AD 398) [tr. Pine-Coffin (1961)]
(Source)

(Source (Latin)). Other translations:

No doubt, then, that a free curiosity has more force in our learning these things, than a frightful enforcement.
[tr. Pusey (1838)]

Hereby it appears that free curiosity has more force in our learning of tongues than frightful enforcement.
[ed. Shedd (1860)]

From this it is sufficiently clear that a free curiosity hath more influence in our learning these things than a necessity full of fear.
[tr. Pilkington (1876)]

Whence it is sufficiently clear, that the free desire of knowledge has more power to make us learn these things than the urgency of fear.
[tr. Hutchings (1890)]

It is plain then that the freedom of curiosity is a far better instructor in language than the compulsion of fear.
[tr. Bigg (1897)]

All this goes to prove that free curiosity is of more value in learning than harsh discipline.
[tr. Sheed (1943)]

From this it is sufficiently clear that a free curiosity is more effective in learning than a discipline based on fear.
[tr. Outler (1955)]

Hence it is plain enough that for learning a language free interest has greater power than frightening constraint.
[tr. Ryan (1960)]

It is clear enough from this that free curiosity is a more powerful aid to the learning of languages than a forced discipline.
[tr. Warner (1963)]

By this it is clear that a free curiosity is a greater force in learning than a fear-ridden compulsion.
[tr. Blaiklock (1983)]