Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer
July 28, 1763, p. 128
On Thomas Sheridan
Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), Vol I
Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) English writer
July 28, 1763, p. 128
On Thomas Sheridan
Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), Vol I
Julian (emperor) (331–363) Roman Emperor, philosopher and writer
The Caesars (c. 361)
Context: "It is the season of the Kronia, during which the god allows us to make merry. But, my dear friend, as I have no talent for amusing or entertaining I must methinks take pains not to talk mere nonsense."
"But, Caesar, can there be anyone so dull and stupid as to take pains over jesting? I always thought that such pleasantries were a relaxation of the mind and a relief from pains and cares."
"Yes, and no doubt your view is correct, but that is not how the matter strikes me. For by nature I have no turn for raillery, or parody, or raising a laugh."
Philip Wylie book When Worlds Collide
When Worlds Collide (1933), co-written with Edwin Balmer
“Are you slow-witted? I'm so sorry for you. It's terrible to be dull and stupid.”
Lloyd Alexander book The Book of Three
Source: The Book of Three
“Endless brooding over a question undermines you as much as a dull pain.”
Emil M. Cioran (1911–1995) Romanian philosopher and essayist
The New Gods (1969)
“It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful.”
Anton LaVey (1930–1997) Founder of the Church of Satan, author of the Satanic Bible
The Nine Satanic Sins (1987)
Cesare Pavese (1908–1950) Italian poet, novelist, literary critic, and translator
This Business of Living (1935-1950)
“If reassurances could dull pain, nobody would ever go to the trouble of pressing grapes.”
Scott Lynch The Lies of Locke Lamora
Source: The Lies of Locke Lamora
Woody Allen (1935) American screenwriter, director, actor, comedian, author, playwright, and musician
Source: Unknown Book 7074565
Clarence Darrow (1857–1938) American lawyer and leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union
Voltaire (1916)