Dorothy Parker? William P. Rothwell? Soaker? Apocryphal? Anonymous? Dear Quote Investigator: The notable wit Dorothy Parker was also known as an imbiber. She would sometimes generously buy a round of drinks for her companions using the phrase: This is on me. Once when asked to create an epitaph for her tombstone she selected the expression …
Monthly Archives: October 2014
Things Turn Out Best for Folks Who Make the Best of the Way Things Turn Out
Titus Livius? John Wooden? Art Linkletter? Anonymous? Dear Quote Investigator: Everyone experiences some adversity, and that may help to explain the popularity of the following adage: Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out. These words have been attributed to at least three people: Roman …
Continue reading “Things Turn Out Best for Folks Who Make the Best of the Way Things Turn Out”
The Dirtiest Book in All the World Is the Expurgated Book
Walt Whitman? Horace Traubel? Morris L. Ernst? Apocryphal? Dear Quote Investigator: Walt Whitman’s landmark poetry collection “Leaves of Grass” was shocking to some of his contemporaries, and he was told by publishers, critics, and attorneys that his work required expurgation. Whitman consented to this censorship initially, but he became increasingly unhappy and angry with this …
Continue reading “The Dirtiest Book in All the World Is the Expurgated Book”
Wherever She Went, Including Here, It Was Against Her Better Judgment
Dorothy Parker? Apocryphal? Dear Quote Investigator: The notable wit Dorothy Parker was once asked to create an epitaph for her tombstone. Apparently, she crafted several different candidates for inscription over the years. I am interested in the following: Wherever she went, including here, it was against her better judgment. Did the coruscating Algonquin Round Table …
Continue reading “Wherever She Went, Including Here, It Was Against Her Better Judgment”
Quote Origin: Whatever You Are, Try To Be a Good One
Abraham Lincoln? William Makepeace Thackeray? Laurence Hutton? Apocryphal? Anonymous? Question for Quote Investigator: Selecting a profession can be quite difficult, and changing your initial choice may be necessary. Yet, you should always strive for excellence. The following inspirational words are heartening: Whatever you are, be a good one. The phrase is usually attributed to Abraham …
Continue reading “Quote Origin: Whatever You Are, Try To Be a Good One”