“We have always witnessed them mocking an idea one day only to sanctify it the other one”
Ali Al-Wardi (1913–1995) Iraqi sociologist
Song of Myself, 4
Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919)
“We have always witnessed them mocking an idea one day only to sanctify it the other one”
Ali Al-Wardi (1913–1995) Iraqi sociologist
David Gemmell book Stormrider
Source: Rigante series, Stormrider, Ch. 2
Robertson Davies (1913–1995) Canadian journalist, playwright, professor, critic, and novelist
The Table Talk of Samuel Marchbanks (1949)
Context: God knows I have little interest in animals, but I do not like to see them insulted. I used to feel the same thing in the days when I was a frequent visitor at the London Zoo; in the lion house there were always ninnies who mocked the captive lions. I often wished that the bars would turn to butter, and that the great, noble beasts would practise their particular form of wit upon the little, ignoble men.
“The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to sharpen.”
Eden Phillpotts (1862–1960) British author
Variant: The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
“The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.”
Eden Phillpotts (1862–1960) British author
“I have witnessed the declaration of independence of the States of Chile and Peru.”
José de San Martín (1778–1850) Argentine general and independence leader
Farewell address to the Peruvian people (20 September 1822), as quoted in 'Captain of the Andes : The Life of José de San Martín, Liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru (1943) by Margaret Hayne Harrison, p. 159
Context: I have witnessed the declaration of independence of the States of Chile and Peru. I hold in my hand the standard carried by Pizarro when he enslaved the Empire of the Incas, and I am no longer a public man. Ten years of revolution and war have been repaid to me with usury. My promises to the people for whom I have waged war have been fulfilled — to accomplish their independence and leave the choice of their rulers to their own will. The presence of an unfortunate soldier, however disinterested he may be, is not desirable in newly constituted states. On the other hand, I am tired of having it said that I wish to make myself King. In short, I shall always be ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the liberty of the country, but as in the character of a simple private citizen and in no other. As for my conduct in public office, my compatriots, as is usually the case, will divide their opinions; their children will render true judgment. Peruvians, I leave you with your national representation established. If you place your entire confidence in it, count on succes; if not, anarchy will destroy you. May Heaven preside over your destinies and may you reach the summit of happiness and peace.
Gloria Estefan (1957) Cuban-American singer-songwriter, actress and divorciada
Gayle King XM satellite radio program (October 23, 2006)
2007, 2008