WIST Quotations

Bierce, Ambrose -- “Expediency,” “Devil’s Dictionary” column, San Francisco Wasp (1884-06-07)

Dave — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:53:53 +0000

EXPEDIENCY, n. The father of all virtues.

Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914?) American writer and journalist
“Expediency,” “Devil’s Dictionary” column, San Francisco Wasp (1884-06-07)

Not collected in later books.

Roosevelt, Franklin Delano -- Speech (1937-01-20), Inaugural Address, Washington, D.C.

Dave — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:39:29 +0000

Many voices are heard as we face a great decision. Comfort says, “Tarry a while.” Opportunism says, “This is a good spot.” Timidity asks, “How difficult is the road ahead?” […] If I know aught of the spirit and purpose of our Nation, we will not listen to Comfort, Opportunism, and Timidity. We will carry on.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945) American lawyer, politician, statesman; US President (1933–45)
Speech (1937-01-20), Inaugural Address, Washington, D.C.

(Source (Audio))

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 5 (1963)

Dave — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:23:11 +0000

Altruism is a hard master; but so is opportunism.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 5 (1963)