Quotes Library

November 26, 2025

The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950), Irish playwright, The Portable Curmudgeon, Jon Winokur, ed. (New York: 1987), p.75

When was the last time you called a spade a spade and everyone agreed with you? Are you capable of such accurate observation that all will yield to your insight?

Those too quick to be either true believers, or disbelieving Thomases, slam the door on the spice of life which can only be enjoyed in the territory that lies in between those extremes.


More Quotes

August 6, 2025
The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety)
June 25, 2025
Sometimes, when they say you’re ahead of your time, it’s just a polite way of saying you have a real bad sense of timing.
October 24, 2025
[On dealing with the Royal Family] I never deny, I never contradict. I sometimes forget.
Page 71 of 124