The Oxford dictionary of modern quotations (28 page)

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 1. Cf. Oxford Dictionary of Quotations (1979)

160:15

In the sex-war thoughtlessness is the weapon of the male, vindictiveness

of the female.

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 1

Life is a maze in which we take the wrong turning before we have learnt to

walk.

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 1

The civilization of one epoch becomes the manure of the next. Everything

over-ripens in the same way. The disasters of the world are due to its

inhabitants not being able to grow old simultaneously.

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 2

Imprisoned in every fat man a thin one is wildly signalling to be let out.

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 2. See also George Orwell (15.24)

The true index of a man's character is the health of his wife.

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 2

We are all serving a life-sentence in the dungeon of self.

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 2

Peeling off the kilometres to the tune of "Blue Skies," sizzling down the

long black liquid reaches of Nationale Sept, the plane trees going

sha-sha-sha through the open window, the windscreen yellowing with crushed

midges, she with the Michelin beside me, a handkerchief binding her hair.

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 3

Our memories are card-indexes consulted, and then put back in disorder by

authorities whom we do not control.

Unquiet Grave (1944) pt. 3

3.86 James Connolly =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1868-1916

The worker is the slave of capitalist society, the female worker is the

slave of that slave.

Re-conquest of Ireland (1915) p. 38

3.87 Joseph Conrad (Teodor Josef Konrad Korzeniowski) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1857-1924

In plucking the fruit of memory one runs the risk of spoiling its bloom.

Arrow of Gold (author's note, 1920, to 1924 Uniform Edition) p. viii

The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from

those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than

ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it.

Heart of Darkness ch. 1, in Youth (1902)

We live, as we dream--alone.

Heart of Darkness ch. 1, in Youth (1902)

Exterminate all the brutes!

Heart of Darkness ch. 2, in Youth (1902)

He [Kurtz] cried in a whisper at some image, at some vision,--he cried out

twice, a cry that was no more than a breath--"The horror! The horror!"

Heart of Darkness ch. 3, in Youth (1902)

Mistah Kurtz--he dead.

Heart of Darkness ch. 3, in Youth (1902)

A man that is born falls into a dream like a man who falls into the sea.

If he tries to climb out into the air as inexperienced people endeavour to

do, he drowns--nicht wahr?...No! I tell you! The way is to the

destructive element submit yourself, and with the exertions of your hands

and feet in the water make the deep, deep sea keep you up....In the

destructive element immerse....That was the way. To follow the dream, and

again to follow the dream--and so--ewig--usque ad finem.

Lord Jim (1900) ch. 20

You shall judge of a man by his foes as well as by his friends.

Lord Jim (1900) ch. 34

Any work that aspires, however humbly, to the condition of art should

carry its justification in every line.

The Nigger of the Narcissus, author's note, in New Review Dec. 1897

Action is consolatory. It is the enemy of thought and the friend of

flattering illusions.

Nostromo (1904) pt. 1, ch. 6

It's only those who do nothing that make no mistakes, I suppose.

Outcast of the Islands (1896) pt. 3, ch. 2

The terrorist and the policeman both come from the same basket.

Secret Agent (1907) ch. 4

All ambitions are lawful except those which climb upwards on the miseries

or credulities of mankind.

Some Reminiscences (1912; in USA entitled "A Personal Record") p. 19

The scrupulous and the just, the noble, humane, and devoted natures; the

unselfish and the intelligent may begin a movement--but it passes away

from them. They are not the leaders of a revolution. They are its victims.

Under Western Eyes (1911) pt. 2, ch. 3

A belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are

quite capable of every wickedness.

Under Western Eyes (1911) pt. 2, ch. 4

I remember my youth and the feeling that will never come back any

more--the feeling that I could last for ever, outlast the sea, the earth,

and all men; the deceitful feeling that lures us on to joys, to perils, to

love, to vain effort--to death; the triumphant conviction of strength, the

heat of life in the handful of dust, the glow in the heart that with every

year grows dim, grows cold, grows small, and expires--and expires, too

soon, too soon--before life itself.

Youth (1902) p. 41

3.88 Shirley Conran =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1932-

Our motto: Life is too short to stuff a mushroom.

Superwoman (1975) p. 15

First things first, second things never.

Superwoman (1975) p. 157

3.89 A. J. Cook =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1885-1931

Not a penny off the pay, not a second on the day.

Speech at York, 3 Apr. 1926, in The Times 5 Apr. 1926 (referring to

miners' slogan)

3.90 Dan Cook =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The opera ain't over 'til the fat lady sings.

In Washington Post 3 June 1978

3.91 Peter Cook =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1937-

I have recently been travelling round the world--on your behalf, and at

your expense--visiting some of the chaps with whom I hope to be shaping

your future. I went first to Germany, and there I spoke with the German

Foreign Minister, Herr...Herr and there, and we exchanged many frank words

in our respective languages.

Beyond the Fringe (1961 revue) "TVPM," in Roger Wilmut Complete Beyond

the Fringe (1987) p. 54

Yes, I could have been a judge but I never had the Latin, never had the

Latin for the judging, I just never had sufficient of it to get through

the rigorous judging exams. They're noted for their rigour. People come

staggering out saying, "My God, what a rigorous exam"--and so I became a

miner instead.

Beyond the Fringe (1961 revue) "Sitting on the Bench," in Roger Wilmut

Complete Beyond the Fringe (1987) p. 97

3.92 Calvin Coolidge =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1872-1933

Shortly after Mr Coolidge had gone to the White House, Mrs Coolidge was

unable to go to church with him one Sunday. At lunch she asked what the

sermon was about. "Sins," he said. "Well, what did he say about sin?" "He

was against it."

John H. McKee Coolidge: Wit and Wisdom (1933) p. 4 (but Edward C.

Lathem's Meet Calvin Coolidge (1960) p. 151 quotes Mrs Coolidge as saying

that this was one of "the stories which might reasonably be attributed to

him [Coolidge] but which did not originate with him")

Mr Coolidge...interrupted a discussion of cancellation of the war debts

with: "Well, they hired the money, didn't they?"

John H. McKee Coolidge: Wit and Wisdom (1933) p. 118

There is no right to strike against the public safety by anybody,

anywhere, any time.

Telegram to Samuel Gompers, 14 Sept. 1919, in Have Faith in Massachusetts

(1919) p. 223

Civilization and profits go hand in hand.

Speech in New York, 27 Nov. 1920, in New York Times 28 Nov. 1920, p. 20

The chief business of the American people is business.

Speech in Washington, 17 Jan. 1925, in New York Times 18 Jan. 1925, p. 19

I do not choose to run for President in nineteen twenty-eight.

Statement issued at Rapid City, South Dakota, 2 Aug. 1927, in New York

Times 3 Aug. 1927, p. 1

3.93 Ananda Coomaraswamy =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1877-1947

The artist is not a special kind of man, but every man is a special kind

of artist.

Transformation of Nature in Art (1934) ch. 2

3.94 Alfred Duff Cooper (Viscount Norwich) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1890-1954

I really did enjoy Belvoir you know....You must I think have enjoyed it

too, with your two stout lovers frowning at one another across the hearth

rug, while your small, but perfectly formed one kept the party in a roar.

Letter to Lady Diana Manners, Oct. 1914, in Artemis Cooper Durable Fire

(1983) p. 17

3.95 Tommy Cooper =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1921-1984

Just like that!

Title of autobiography (1975), from his catch-phrase.

3.96 Wendy Cope =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1945-

I used to think all poets were Byronic--

Mad, bad and dangerous to know.

And then I met a few. Yes it's ironic--

I used to think all poets were Byronic.

They're mostly wicked as a ginless tonic

And wild as pension plans.

Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis (1986) "Triolet." Cf. Oxford Dictonary of

Quotations (1979) 306:25

It's nice to meet serious people

And hear them explain their views:

Your concern for the rights of women

Is especially welcome news.

I'm sure you'd never exploit one;

I expect you'd rather be dead;

I'm thoroughly convinced of it--

Now can we go to bed?

Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis (1986) "From June to December"

There are so many kinds of awful men--

One can't avoid them all. She often said

She'd never make the same mistake again:

She always made a new mistake instead.

Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis (1986) "Rondeau Redoubl�"

It was a dream I had last week

And some kind of record seemed vital.

I knew it wouldn't be much of a poem

But I love the title.

Making Cocoa for Kingsley Amis (1986) title-poem

3.97 Aaron Copland =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1900-1990

The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking, "Is there a

meaning to music?" My answer to that would be, "Yes." And "Can you state

in so many words what the meaning is?" My answer to that would be, "No."

What to Listen for in Music (1939) ch. 2

3.98 Bernard Cornfeld =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1927-

Do you sincerely want to be rich?

Question often asked by Cornfeld of salesmen in the 1960s, in Charles Raw

et al. Do You Sincerely Want to be Rich? (1971) p. 67

3.99 Frances Cornford =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1886-1960

Whoso maintains that I am humbled now

(Who wait the Awful Day) is still a liar;

I hope to meet my Maker brow to brow

And find my own the higher.

Collected Poems (1954) "Epitaph for a Reviewer"

A young Apollo, golden-haired,

Stands dreaming on the verge of strife,

Magnificently unprepared

For the long littleness of life.

Poems (1910) "Youth"

O why do you walk through the fields in gloves,

Missing so much and so much?

O fat white woman whom nobody loves,

Why do you walk through the fields in gloves,

When the grass is soft as the breast of doves

And shivering-sweet to the touch?

O why do you walk through the fields in gloves,

Missing so much and so much?

Poems (1910) "To a Fat Lady seen from the Train." Cf. G. K. Chesterton

51:8

How long ago Hector took off his plume,

Not wanting that his little son should cry,

Then kissed his sad Andromache goodbye--

And now we three in Euston waiting-room.

Travelling Home (1948) "Parting in Wartime"

3.100 Francis Macdonald Cornford =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1874-1943

If you persist to the threshold of old age--your fiftieth year, let us

say--you will be a powerful person yourself, with an accretion of

peculiarities which other people will have to study in order to square

you. The toes you will have trodden on by this time will be as sands on

the sea-shore; and from far below you will mount the roar of a ruthless

multitude of young men in a hurry. You may perhaps grow to be aware what

they are in a hurry to do. They are in a hurry to get you out of the way.

Microcosmographia Academica (1908) p. 2

Every public action, which is not customary, either is wrong, or, if it is

right, is a dangerous precedent. It follows that nothing should ever be

done for the first time.

Microcosmographia Academica (1908) p. 28

3.101 Baron Pierre de Coubertin =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1863-1937

L'important dans la vie ce n'est point le triomphe mais le combat;

l'essentiel ce n'est pas d'avoir vaincu mais de s'�tre bien battu.

The important thing in life is not the victory but the contest; the