WIST Quotations

Herbert, George -- Jacula Prudentum, or Outlandish Proverbs, Sentences, &c. (compiler), # 836 (1640 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:47:08 +0000

He thinkes not well, that thinkes not againe.

[He thinks not well, that thinks not again.]

George Herbert (1593–1633) Welsh priest, orator, poet.
Jacula Prudentum, or Outlandish Proverbs, Sentences, &c. (compiler), # 836 (1640 ed.)
(Source)

Kubrick, Stanley -- In Newsweek (26 May 1980)

Dave — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 21:59:18 +0000

You sit at the board and suddenly your heart leaps. Your hand trembles to pick up the piece and move it. But what chess teaches you is that you must sit there calmly and think about whether it’s really a good idea and whether there are other, better ideas.

Stanley Kubrick (1928–1999) American film director, screenwriter, producer
In Newsweek (26 May 1980)

Brust, Steven -- The Lord of Castle Black (2003)

Dave — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 17:29:51 +0000

“Why now,” said Tazendra. “There is an idea. What do you think of Kytraan’s idea, Piro?”
“It is one I had not thought of,” admitted Piro.
“And do you think it a good one?” said Kytraan.
“I must consider it.”
“Oh,” said Tazendra, “we have nothing against considering.”
“No, indeed,” said Kytraan. “I, myself, have been known to consider on occasion, and would scarcely begrudge another’s chance to consider.”
“That is good, then; I will do so.”
“And will you do so now?” said Tazendra.
“I am considering this very instant,” said Piro. .
“That is good,” said Kytraan.
“Yes. I could not tell, or I should not have asked,” said Tazendra.
“Then it is right that you asked.”
“Do you think so?”
“I am certain of it.”
“Well, then I am pleased.”
“And you should be. But, your pardon, I am considering.”
“Of course,” said Tazendra, falling silent.

Steven Brust (b. 1955) American writer, systems programmer
The Lord of Castle Black (2003)

Lessing, Gotthold -- Letter (1771-01-09), to Moses Mendelssohn

Dave — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 12:33:38 +0000

For all but one in thousands the goal of their thinking is the point at which they have become tired of thinking.

[Tausenden für einen ist das Ziel ihres Nachdenkens die Stelle, wo sie des Nachdenkens müde geworden.]

Gotthold Lessing (1729–1781) German playwright, philosopher, dramaturg, writer
Letter (1771-01-09), to Moses Mendelssohn
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translations:

In a thousand cases to one, the goal of reflection is set at the point where one gets tired of reflection.
(Source)

For the vast majority of men, the object of their reflection lies at the point where they become tired of reflecting.
(Source)

Stevenson, Robert Louis -- Essay (1878-04), “Æs Triplex,” Cornhill Magazine, Vol. 37

Dave — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:03:35 +0000

To be over-wise is to ossify; and the scruple-monger ends by standing stock-still.

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) Scottish essayist, novelist, poet
Essay (1878-04), “Æs Triplex,” Cornhill Magazine, Vol. 37
(Source)

Collected in Virginibus Puerisque and Other Papers (1881).