WIST Quotations

Mizner, Wilson -- In Alva Johnston, The Legendary Mizners, ch. 4 (1953)

Dave — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 12:32:49 +0000

Be nice to people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down.

Wilson Mizner (1876–1933) American screenwriter and wit
In Alva Johnston, The Legendary Mizners, ch. 4 (1953)

Also quoted in Evan Esar, The Dictionary of Humorous Quotations (1949). Often attributed to Walter Winchell, who frequently quoted Mizner.

Watts, Isaac -- Poems, “Moral Songs: #6 Good Resolutions”

Dave — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:13:25 +0000

I’ll not willingly offend,
Nor be easily offended;
What’s amiss I’ll strive to mend,
And endure what can’t be mended.

Isaac Watts (1674–1748) English theologian and hymnodist
Poems, “Moral Songs: #6 Good Resolutions”
(Source)

In Samuel Johnson, Works of English Poets, vol. 46 (1779)

La Rochefoucauld, Francois -- Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Maxims] (1665-1678)

Dave — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:00:49 +0000

To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.

François VI, duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680) French epigrammatist, memoirist, noble
Réflexions ou sentences et maximes morales [Maxims] (1665-1678)

Butler, Samuel -- The Note-Books of Samuel Butler, “Gentleman” (1912)

Dave — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:48:57 +0000

If we are asked what is the most essential characteristic that underlies this word, the word itself will guide us to gentleness, to absence of such things as brow-beating, overbearing manners and fuss, and generally to consideration for other people.

Samuel Butler (1835–1902) English novelist, satirist, scholar
The Note-Books of Samuel Butler, “Gentleman” (1912)
(Source)