Mason Cooley citations

“Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are.”

“Regret for wasted time is more wasted time”

“Ideology has shaped the very sofa on which I sit.”

“Every book teaches a lesson, even if the lesson is only that one has chosen the wrong book.”

“When lying to someone, look him straight in the eye.”

“Wisdom cannot prevent a fall, but may cushion it.”

“Scepticism is always a back road leading to some credo or other.”

“I am easy-going right up to the borders of my self-interest.”

“Don’t milk the cow too hard. She will kick you.”

“The laughter of the aphorism is sometimes triumphant, but seldom carefree.”

“Lonely people keep up a ceaseless flow of commentary on themselves.”

“In an aphorism, aptness counts for more than truth.”

“Every day begins with an act of courage and hope: getting out of bed.”

“To be successful be ahead of your time, but only a little.”

“Why do we never expect dull people to be rascals?”

“Timidity keeps me safe and sad in a narrow room.”

“Wisdom remembers. Happiness forgets.”

“Writing an upbeat aphorism is a temptation, but decorum forbids.”

“People may show jealousy, but hide their envy.”

“Reality is the name we give to our disappointments.”

“When you can't figure out what to do, it's time for a nap.”

“If I can't serve as a role model, let me serve as a warning.”