WIST Quotations

Randi, James -- (Attributed)

Dave — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:40:09 +0000

The first thing a cult does is tell you everyone else is lying.

James Randi (1928-2020) Canadian-American stage magician ("The Amazing Randi") and scientific skeptic. [b. Randall James Hamilton Zwinge]
(Attributed)

Very widely quoted and attributed to Randi. I cannot, however, find any evidence showing Randi actually said this, though it is plausible.

Serling, Rod -- Patterns, Introduction (1957)

Dave — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 19:59:15 +0000

The righteous and continuing wrath of the Northern press opened no eyes and touched no consciences in the little town in Mississippi where the two men were tried. It was like a cold wind that made them huddle together for protection against an outside force which they could equate with an adversary. It struck me at the time that the trial and its aftermath was simply, “They’re bastards, but they’re our bastards.”

Rod Serling (1924-1975) American screenwriter, playwright, television producer, narrator
Patterns, Introduction (1957)
(Source)

Speaking of the acquittal of the killers of Emmett Till. The murder inspired Serling's teleplay, Noon on Doomsday, shown on The United States Steel Hour (Apr 1956).

Bible, Vol. 2. New Testament -- Hebrews 13: 2 [KJV (1611)]

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 18:00:00 +0000

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

[τῆς φιλοξενίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε διὰ ταύτης γὰρ ἔλαθόν τινες ξενίσαντες ἀγγέλους.]

The Bible (The New Testament) (AD 1st - 2nd C) Christian sacred scripture
Hebrews 13: 2 [KJV (1611)]
(Source)

(Source (Greek)). Alternate translations:

Remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
[JB (1966); NJB (1985)]

Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it.
[GNT (1976)]

Don’t neglect to open up your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it.
[CEB (2011)]

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
[NRSV (2021 ed.)]