Some things are privileged from jest—namely, religion, matters of state, great persons, all men’s present business of importance, and any case that deserves pity.
—Francis Bacon, 1597
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Quotes
Information can tell us everything. It has all the answers. But they are answers to questions we have not asked, and which doubtless don’t even arise.
—Jean Baudrillard, c. 1987There are people whom one loves immediately and forever. Even to know they are alive in the world with one is quite enough.
—Nancy Spain, 1956What is life but organized energy?
—Arthur C. Clarke, 1958The Mughal’s nature is such that they demand miracles, but if a miracle were to be performed by some upright follower of our religion, they would say that it had been brought about by magic and sorcery. They would strike him down with spears or would stone him to death.
—Fr. Antonio Monserrate, 1590The only equals are those who are equally rich.
—Burundian proverbThought depends absolutely on the stomach, but in spite of that, those who have the best stomachs are not the best thinkers.
—Voltaire, 1770God is alive. Magic is afoot.
—Leonard Cohen, 1966An exile with no home anywhere is a corpse without a grave.
—Publilius Syrus, 50 BCGlamour cannot exist without personal social envy being a common and widespread emotion.
—John Berger, 1972I never even saw the use of the sea. Many a sad heart has it caused, and many a sick stomach has it occasioned! The boldest sailor climbs on board with a heavy soul and leaps on land with a light spirit.
—Benjamin Disraeli, 1827History is a people’s memory, and without a memory man is demoted to the level of the lower animals.
—Malcolm X, 1964I have loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore I die in exile.
—Gregory VII, c. 1085