Quotes from book
Social Studies

Name: Social Studies
Author: Fran Lebowitz

Social Studies is a 1981 bestselling collection of comedic essays by writer Fran Lebowitz.Social Studies was released in a 1994 compilation entitled The Fran Lebowitz Reader along with Lebowitz's other bestseller Metropolitan Life.

“Original thought is like original sin: both happened before you were born to people you could not have possibly met.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"People".
Social Studies (1981)

“Ask your child what he wants for dinner only if he's buying.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Parental Guidance".
Social Studies (1981)

“Think before you speak. Read before you think. This will give you something to think about that you didn't make up yourself - a wise move at any age, but most especially at seventeen, when you are in the greatest danger of coming to annoying conclusions.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Tips for Teens".
Social Studies (1981)

“Children do not really need money. After all, they don't have to pay rent or send mailgrams.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Parental Guidance".
Social Studies (1981)

“Educational television should be absolutely forbidden. It can only lead to unreasonable expectations and eventual disappointment when your child discovers that the letters of the alphabet do not leap up out of books and dance around the room with royal-blue chickens.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Parental Guidance".
Social Studies (1981)

“Remember that as a teenager you are in the last stage of your life when you will be happy to hear the phone is for you.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Tips for Teens".
Social Studies (1981)

“The conversational overachiever is someone whose grasp exceeds his reach. This is possible but not attractive.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"People".
Social Studies (1981)

“Stand firm in your refusal to remain conscious during algebra. In real life, I assure you, there is no such thing as algebra.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Tips for Teens".
Social Studies (1981)

“No animal should ever jump up on the dining room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Pointers for Pets".
Social Studies (1981)

“Do not elicit your child's political opinions. He doesn't know any more than you do.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

" Parental Guidance https://books.google.com/books?id=xCV8OXwBuNcC&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22fran+lebowitz%22+%22parental+guidance%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiX3rO2xPvPAhXl1IMKHbrqAqAQ6AEIKjAC#v=onepage&q=%22Parental%20Guidance%20s%22&f=false". <br class="br">Social Studies (1981)

“Should you be a teenager blessed with uncommon good looks, document this state of affairs by the taking of photographs. It is the only way anyone will ever believe you in years to come.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Tips for Teens".
Social Studies (1981)

“The opposite of talking isn't listening. The opposite of talking is waiting.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"People".
Social Studies (1981)

“I understand, of course, that many people find smoking objectionable. That is their right. I would, I assure you, be the very last to criticize the annoyed. I myself find many-- even most-- things objectionable. Being offended is the natural consequence of leaving one's home. I do not like aftershave lotion, adults who roller-skate, children who speak French, or anyone who is unduly tan. I do not, however, go around enacting legislation and putting up signs. In private I avoid such people; in public they have the run of the place. I stay at home as much as possible, and so should they. When it is necessary, however, to go out of the house, they must be prepared, as I am, to deal with the unpleasant personal habits of others. That is what "public" means.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes...Shut Them".
Social Studies (1981)

“Do not allow children to mix drinks. It is unseemly and they use too much vermouth.”

Fran Lebowitz book Social Studies

"Parental Guidance"
Social Studies (1981)