Source: The Book Thief
Source: Culture and Value (1980), p. 98e
“Itch to read, scratch to understand.”
From the ninth book, "The Book of Secrets"
The Pillow Book
“I have a simple philosophy. Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. And scratch where it itches.”
As quoted in The Best (1974), edited by Peter Passell and Leonard Ross.
Quote in a letter from Giverny to Gustave Geffroy, 23 November 1894; as cited in: P. Michael Doran (2001), Art Conversations with Cézanne, p. 3
1890 - 1900
The New York Times (16 December 1969)
“One learns to itch where one can scratch.”
The Story of Wong Choi and the Merchant Teen King's Thumb
Kai Lung Unrolls His Mat (1928)
“He roars in his anger, he scratches, he looks not up.”
"Nebuchadnezzar's Fall"
Country Sentiment (1920)
Context: Down on his knees he sinks, the stiff-necked King,
Stoops and kneels and grovels, chin to the mud.
Out from his changed heart flutter on startled wing
The fancy birds of his Pride, Honour, Kinglihood.
He crawls, he grunts, he is beast-like, frogs and snails
His diet, and grass, and water with hand for cup.
He herds with brutes that have hooves and horns and tails,
He roars in his anger, he scratches, he looks not up.
