Quotes Library

February 12, 2025

Why shouldn’t things be largely absurd, futile, and transitory? They are so, and we are so, and they and we go well together.

George Santayana, 1863-1952, Spanish-born American philosopher, The Portable Curmudgeon, Jon Winokur, ed. (New York: 1987), p.171

What is the point? For you personally, not for the rest of the universe?

If Santayana believed all that, it surprises me that he managed so long a life—replete with the absurd, the futile, and the transitory. And that he is remembered.


More Quotes

January 29, 2025
Ordinary men usually manage public affairs better than more gifted fellows. The latter are always wanting to appear wiser than the laws,
November 19, 2025
Believe nothing until it has been officially denied.
December 6, 2025
Everyone is always in favour of general economy and particular expenditure.
Page 113 of 123