WIST Quotations

Roosevelt, Theodore -- Speech (1910-04-23), “Citizenship in a Republic [The Man in the Arena],” Sorbonne, Paris

Dave — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 23:52:07 +0000

The worth of the ideal must be largely determined by the success with which it can in practice be realized. We should abhor the so-called “practical” men whose practicality assumes the shape of that peculiar baseness which finds its expression in disbelief in morality and decency, in disregard of high standards of living and conduct. Such a creature is the worst enemy of the body politic. But only less desirable as a citizen is his nominal opponent and real ally, the man of fantastic vision who makes the impossible better forever the enemy of the possible good.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) American politician, statesman, conservationist, writer, US President (1901–1909)
Speech (1910-04-23), “Citizenship in a Republic [The Man in the Arena],” Sorbonne, Paris
(Source)

Carlin, George -- Interview (2001-07) by Marc Cooper, The Progressive

Dave — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:46:19 +0000

If you’ll scratch a cynic, you’ll find a disappointed idealist.

George Carlin (1937-2008) American comedian
Interview (2001-07) by Marc Cooper, The Progressive
(Source)

A documented case of a trademark phrase Carlin frequently used, though not necessarily original with him.

Often quoted as "Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist."

Lynn, Jonathan -- Yes Minister, 03×04 “The Moral Dimension” (BBC2 Television) (1982-12-02) [with Antony Jay]

Dave — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:53:56 +0000

SIR HUMPHREY: A cynic is what an idealist calls a realist.

Jonathan Lynn (b. 1943) English actor, comedy writer, director
Yes Minister, 03×04 “The Moral Dimension” (BBC2 Television) (1982-12-02) [with Antony Jay]

De Botton, Alain -- Status Anxiety, “Philosophy” 1.5 (2004)

Dave — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 03:39:30 +0000

Cynics are, in the end, only idealists with awkwardly high standards.

Alain de Botton (b. 1969) Swiss-British author
Status Anxiety, “Philosophy” 1.5 (2004)
(Source)

James, William -- The Principles of Psychology, Vol. 1, ch. 4 “Habit” (1890)

Dave — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 23:22:02 +0000

There is no more contemptible type of human character that that of the nerveless sentimentalist and dreamer, who spends his life in a weltering sea of sensibility and emotion, but who never does a manly concrete deed.

William James (1842-1910) American psychologist and philosopher
The Principles of Psychology, Vol. 1, ch. 4 “Habit” (1890)
(Source)

This chapter originally published in Popular Science Monthly (Feb 1887).