WIST Quotations

Roosevelt, Eleanor -- Memoir (1937), This Is My Story, ch. 2 “Adolescence”

Dave — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:39:05 +0000

Occasionally he took us on a picnic or a camping trip and taught us many valuable lessons. The chief one was to remember that camping was a good way to find out people’s characters. Those who were selfish showed it very soon, in that they wanted the best bed or the best food and did not want to do their share of the work.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) American politician, diplomat, activist; First Lady of the US (1933–45)
Memoir (1937), This Is My Story, ch. 2 “Adolescence”

Referring to her uncle, Teddy Roosevelt.

The same passage is included in her compiled 1961 Autobiography, Part 1, ch. 2 "Adolescence."

McLaughlin, Mignon -- The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 5 (1963)

Dave — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 17:33:50 +0000

We are all such a waste of our potential, like three-way lamps using one-way bulbs.

Mignon McLaughlin (1913–1983) American journalist and author
The Neurotic’s Notebook, ch. 5 (1963)

Parker, Dorothy -- “Observation,” New York World (16 Aug 1925)

Dave — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:03:40 +0000

If I didn’t care for fun and such,
I’d probably amount to much.
But I shall stay the way I am,
Because I do not give a damn.

Dorothy Parker (1893–1967) American writer, poet, wit
“Observation,” New York World (16 Aug 1925)

Johnson, Samuel -- Essay (1759-09-01), The Idler, No. 72

Dave — Tue, 19 May 2015 12:03:10 +0000

The gloomy and the resentful are always found among those who have nothing to do or who do nothing.

Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
Essay (1759-09-01), The Idler, No. 72