WIST Quotations

Peacock, Thomas Love -- Melincourt, ch. 16 (1817)

Dave — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 23:15:39 +0000

There are two reasons for drinking: one is, when you are thirsty, to cure it; the other, when you are not thirsty, to prevent it. The first is obvious, mechanical, and plebeian; the second is most refined, abstract, prospicient, and canonical. I drink by anticipation of thirst that may be. Prevention is better than cure.

Thomas Love Peacock (1785–1866) English novelist, satirist, poet, merchant
Melincourt, ch. 16 (1817)
(Source)

Jefferson, Thomas -- Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 13 (1782)

Dave — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 21:17:19 +0000

The time to guard against corruption and tyranny is before they shall have gotten hold of us. It is better to keep the wolf out of the fold than to trust to drawing his teeth and talons after he shall have entered.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801–09)
Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 13 (1782)
(Source)

Bradley, Omar -- Speech, Memorial Day, Longmeadow, Mass. (31 May 1948)

Dave — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:41:10 +0000

To live bravely by convictions from which the free peoples of the world can take heart, the American people must put their faith in long-range policies — political, economic, and military — programs that will not be heated and cooled with the brightening and waning of tensions. The United States has matured to world leadership; it is time we steered by the stars, not by the lights of each passing ship.

Omar Bradley (1893–1981) American general
Speech, Memorial Day, Longmeadow, Mass. (31 May 1948)

Leonardo da Vinci -- Note-books (1508-1518)

Dave — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 15:34:43 +0000

He who does not punish evil commends it to be done.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) Italian artist, engineer, scientist, polymath
Note-books (1508-1518)
(Source)

In some versions, this is translated as "commands it to be done."