WIST Quotations

Martin, Judith -- Common Courtesy, “In the Quest for Equality, Civilization Itself Is Maligned” (1985)

Dave — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:56:29 +0000

We are all born rude. No infant has ever appeared yet with the grace to understand how inconsiderate it is to disturb others in the middle of the night.

Judith Martin (b. 1938) American author, journalist, etiquette expert [a.k.a. Miss Manners]
Common Courtesy, “In the Quest for Equality, Civilization Itself Is Maligned” (1985)
(Source)

Russell, Bertrand -- “On smiling,” New York American (1932-08-17)

Dave — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:17:19 +0000

One of the most disconcerting things about infants is that they only smile when they are pleased. They stare at visitors with round grave eyes, and when the visitors try to amuse them, they display astonishment at the foolish antics of adults. But as soon as possible, their parents teach them to seem pleased by the company of people to whom they are utterly indifferent.

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) English mathematician and philosopher
“On smiling,” New York American (1932-08-17)
(Source)

Cox, Marcelene -- “Ask Any Woman” column, Ladies’ Home Journal (1963-01/02)

Dave — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:11:24 +0000

Probably no parent is truly born in the moment of birth; the miracle more likely happens in the moment the baby first curls its tiny hand around the parent’s large finger.

Marcelene Cox (1900–1998) American writer, columnist, aphorist
“Ask Any Woman” column, Ladies’ Home Journal (1963-01/02)
(Source)

Greenwood, Kerry -- Phryne Fisher, Book 7, Ruddy Gore, ch. 10 (1995)

Dave — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 15:47:03 +0000

She passed the photograph to Dot, who liked babies. Phryne always considered that they resembled rabbits in the market when newborn, and uncommonly alcoholic drunks when a little older. Also, despite the pride of their mothers, she could never tell one baby from another, except that some were ugly and some were merely exceptionally plain.

Kerry Greenwood (b. 1954) Australian author and lawyer
Phryne Fisher, Book 7, Ruddy Gore, ch. 10 (1995)
(Source)

Kingsolver, Barbara -- “Babyblues”

Dave — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 23:45:18 +0000

I want
the world
and it will not fit
in my mouth.

Barbara Kingsolver (b. 1955) American novelist, essayist, poet
“Babyblues”
(Source)

Twain, Mark -- Letter (1876-09-01) to Annie Webster

Dave — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:28:15 +0000

A baby is an inestimable blessing and bother.

Mark Twain (1835–1910) American writer [pseud. of Samuel Clemens]
Letter (1876-09-01) to Annie Webster
(Source)

This quote is widely cited, but I was unable to find a decent source for it online.