With all deference to Chairman Mao and other authors whose quotations derive from longer works, it seemed that I was read more

With all deference to Chairman Mao and other authors whose quotations derive from longer works, it seemed that I was becoming the world's first writer of self-contained ready-made quotations

A fine quotation is a diamond in the hand of a man of wit and a pebble in the hand read more

A fine quotation is a diamond in the hand of a man of wit and a pebble in the hand of a fool.

I hate quotation. Tell me what you know.

I hate quotation. Tell me what you know.

The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.

The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.

By necessity, by proclivity, and by delight, we all quote.

By necessity, by proclivity, and by delight, we all quote.

When a thing has been said and well said, have no scruple; take it and copy it

When a thing has been said and well said, have no scruple; take it and copy it

Every book is a quotation; and every house is a quotation out of all forests and mines and stone quarries; read more

Every book is a quotation; and every house is a quotation out of all forests and mines and stone quarries; and every man is a quotation from all his ancestors

Proverbs are short sentences drawn from long experience.

Proverbs are short sentences drawn from long experience.

I do not say a proverb is amiss when aptly and reasonably applied, but to be forever discharging them, right read more

I do not say a proverb is amiss when aptly and reasonably applied, but to be forever discharging them, right or wrong, hit or miss, renders conversation insipid and vulgar.