WIST Quotations

Loeb, Sophie Irene -- Epigrams of Eve, “Wise and Otherwise” (1913)

Dave — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:24:13 +0000

It is wise to be sure, but otherwise to be too sure.

Sophie Irene Loeb (1876–1929) Ukrainian-American journalist, activist
Epigrams of Eve, “Wise and Otherwise” (1913)
(Source)

Corneille, Pierre -- The Cid, Act 2, sc. 6 [Don Fernando / King] (1636) [tr. Landis (1931)]

Dave — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 15:18:32 +0000

Danger breeds best on too much confidence.

Pierre Corneille (1606–1684) French tragedian
The Cid, Act 2, sc. 6 [Don Fernando / King] (1636) [tr. Landis (1931)]
(Source)

Another translation:

Too much confidence brings on danger.
[tr. Mongan (1896)]

Charron, Pierre -- (Attributed)

Dave — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 13:33:29 +0000

The certain way to be cheated is to fancy one’s self more cunning than others.

Pierre Charron (1541–1603) French Catholic theologian and philosopher
(Attributed)

Quoted in John Timbs, Laconics: Or, The Best Words of the Best Authors, vol. 3, #308 (1829)

Colton, Charles Caleb -- Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 363 (1820)

Dave — Tue, 24 May 2016 13:19:46 +0000

When young, we trust ourselves too much, and we trust others too little when old. Rashness is the error of youth, timid caution of age.

Charles Caleb "C. C." Colton (1780–1832) English cleric, writer, aphorist
Lacon: Or, Many Things in Few Words, Vol. 1, § 363 (1820)
(Source)

Russell, Bertrand -- “The Triumph of Stupidity,” New York American (1933-05-10)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Brute force plays a much larger part in the government of the world than it did before 1914, and what is especially alarming, force tends increasingly to fall into the hands of those who are enemies of civilization. The danger is profound and terrible; it cannot be waved aside with easy optimism. The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) English mathematician and philosopher
“The Triumph of Stupidity,” New York American (1933-05-10)
(Source)

Often paraphrased, "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure, and the intelligent are full of doubt." See also Yeats and Bukowski.

More examination of this quotation: The Best Lack All Conviction While the Worst Are Full of Passionate Intensity – Quote Investigator.

Milne, A. A. -- Winnie-the-Pooh, ch. 10 “Christopher Robin Gives a Pooh Party” (1926)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Kanga said to Roo, “Drink up your milk first, dear, and talk afterwards.” So Roo, who was drinking his milk, tried to say that he could do both at once … and had to be patted on the back and dried for quite a long time afterwards.

A. A. Milne (1882–1956) English poet and playwright [Alan Alexander Milne]
Winnie-the-Pooh, ch. 10 “Christopher Robin Gives a Pooh Party” (1926)
(Source)