WIST Quotations

Adams, Douglas -- Dirk Gently No. 2, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul, ch. 17 (1988)

Dave — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:22:43 +0000

It was his subconscious which told him this — that infuriating part of a person’s brain which never responds to interrogation, merely gives little meaningful nudges and then sits humming quietly to itself, saying nothing.

Douglas Adams (1952–2001) English author, humorist, screenwriter
Dirk Gently No. 2, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul, ch. 17 (1988)
(Source)

Carlyle, Thomas -- Essay (1837-12-06), “On Sir Walter Scott,” The London and Westminster Review, No. 12/55, Art. 2 (1838-01)

Dave — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:30:28 +0000

All greatness is unconscious, or it is little and naught.

Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish essayist and historian
Essay (1837-12-06), “On Sir Walter Scott,” The London and Westminster Review, No. 12/55, Art. 2 (1838-01)
(Source)

Review of J. G. Lockhart, Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Baronet, 6 vols. (1837). Collected in Carlyle, Critical and Miscellaneous Essays (1827-1855).

Peacock, Thomas Love -- The Misfortunes of Elphin, ch. 3 (1829)

Dave — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 00:22:24 +0000

Not drunk is he who from the floor
Can rise alone and still drink more;
But drunk is they, who prostrate lies,
Without the power to arise.

Thomas Love Peacock (1785–1866) English novelist, satirist, poet, merchant
The Misfortunes of Elphin, ch. 3 (1829)
(Source)

Hazlitt, William -- Men and Manners, “On Prejudice” (1852)

Dave — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:08:57 +0000

We never do anything well till we cease to think about the manner of doing it.

William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English writer
Men and Manners, “On Prejudice” (1852)