WIST Quotations

Howell, James -- Paroimiographia [Παροιμιογραφία]: Proverbs, or, Old Sayed Sawes & Adages, “English Proverbs” (1659) [compiler]

Dave — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:04:07 +0000

He that gropes in the dark, finds that which he would not.

James Howell (c. 1594–1666) Welsh historian and writer
Paroimiographia [Παροιμιογραφία]: Proverbs, or, Old Sayed Sawes & Adages, “English Proverbs” (1659) [compiler]
(Source)

Halifax, George Savile, Marquis of -- “Of Malice and Envy,” Political, Moral, and Miscellaneous Thoughts and Reflections (1750)

Dave — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:34:56 +0000

Malice is of a low Stature, but it hath very long Arms.

George Savile, Marquis of Halifax (1633-1695) English politician and essayist
“Of Malice and Envy,” Political, Moral, and Miscellaneous Thoughts and Reflections (1750)
(Source)

Ziglar, Zig -- Biscuits, Fleas, and Pump Handles (1974)

Dave — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 01:19:37 +0000

What you get by reaching your goals is not nearly so important as what you become by reaching them.

Hilary Hinton "Zig" Ziglar (1926-2012) American author, salesperson, motivational speaker
Biscuits, Fleas, and Pump Handles (1974)

Ziglar used multiple variations of this phrase. Also attributed to Goethe and Thoreau. For more discussion see here.

Hayes, Helen -- Reader’s Digest (1958)

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

My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that’s nice too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about the success.

Helen Hayes (1900-1993) American actress
Reader’s Digest (1958)