Tracing Quotations
Carolyn Wells? Bruce Porter? Gelett Burgess? Anonymous? Question for Quote Investigator: The following well-known adage concisely states a controversial moral principle: Of two evils, choose the lesser. I’ve heard these cynical variants: Would you please explore the history of the last statement? Reply from Quote Investigator: In 1904 the popular and prolific writer and poet …
Continue reading “Quote Origin: Of Two Evils, Choose the Prettier”
Clarence Darrow? George Sand? Charles Paul de Kock? Henry Monnier? Eddie Drake? Heywood Broun? Irvin S. Cobb? Steven Pinker? Anonymous? Disliked Food: Spinach? Carp Head? Eels? Oysters? Lobster? Lettuce? Green Peas? Beets? Question for Quote Investigator: The famous defense lawyer Clarence Darrow apparently had a very low opinion of the vegetable favored by the cartoon …
Art Buchwald? Henry James Lee? Mrs. Kenneth Clarke? Linda Godeau? Laurence J. Peter? Anonymous? Question for Quote Investigator: A popular modern adage de-emphasizes materialism: The best things in life aren’t things. This phrase has been attributed to the humorist Art Buchwald and the quotation collector Laurence J. Peter. What do you think? Reply from Quote …
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Leo Tolstoy? Edwin H. Stuart? Elinor Glyn? Henry Traphagen? Art Buchwald? Anonymous? Question for Quote Investigator: While I am working hard on a complex project my desk usually becomes messy, but I take comfort in the following sayings: Would you please explore the history of this modern adage? Reply from Quote Investigator: A strong match …
Continue reading “Quote Origin: A Disordered Desk Is a Sign of Genius”
Albert Einstein? Apocryphal? Question for Quote Investigator: Einstein famously constructed a foundational equation about energy: E = mc². Apparently, he also fashioned a less-well-known humorous formula about success in life using the terms A, X, Y, and Z. Did Einstein actually craft this quasi-mathematical joke? Reply from Quote Investigator: In 1929 Albert Einstein was interviewed …
Continue reading “Quote Origin: Einstein’s Equation for Success in Life: A=X+Y+Z”
Dorothy Parker? Apocryphal? Question for Quote Investigator: The well-known wit Dorothy Parker brought forth laughter from others, but personally she experienced episodes of depression. Apparently, when her doorbell rang she would sometimes proclaim: What fresh hell is this? Is this an accurate claim? Reply from Quote Investigator: Dorothy Parker died in 1967, and her earliest …
Continue reading “Quote Origin: What Fresh Hell Can This Be?”