“A little nonsense now and then
Is relished by the wisest men.”
Joseph Addison (1672–1719) politician, writer and playwright
This appears to be an anonymous proverb of unknown authorship, only occasionally attributed to Addison.
Misattributed
“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.”
Not original to this work, the proverb dates from at least the 18th century.
Source: Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (1972), Ch. 12, 'Back to The Chocolate Factory' (p.88 in the Paperback edition (1998) from Puffin)
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Roald Dahl103
British novelist, short story writer, poet, fighter pilot a… 1916–1990Related quotes
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Everett Dean Martin (1880–1941)
Source: The Meaning of a Liberal Education (1926), p. 85