WIST Quotations

Jerome, Jerome K. -- Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow, “On Getting On in the World” (1886)

Dave — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:29:59 +0000

If you are foolish enough to be contented, don’t show it, but grumble with the rest; and if you can do with a little, ask for a great deal. Because if you don’t you won’t get any.

Jerome K. Jerome (1859–1927) English writer, humorist [Jerome Klapka Jerome]
Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow, “On Getting On in the World” (1886)
(Source)

First published in Home Chimes (1885-01-24).

Bronte, Anne -- The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, ch. 32 [Ralph to Milicent] (1848)

Dave — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:55:32 +0000

A man must have something to grumble about; and if he can’t complain that his wife harries him to death with her perversity and ill-humour, he must complain that she wears him out with her kindness and gentleness.

Anne Brontë (1820–1849) British novelist, poet [pseud. Acton Bell]
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, ch. 32 [Ralph to Milicent] (1848)

Camus, Albert -- The Fall (1956)

Dave — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:15:25 +0000

I never complained that my birthday was overlooked; people were even surprised, with a touch of admiration, by my discretion on this subject. But the reason for my disinterestedness was even more discrete: I longed to be forgotten in order to be able to complain to myself.

Albert Camus (1913–1960) Algerian-French novelist, essayist, playwright
The Fall (1956)