DENIS DIDEROT 1713-84

French philosopher, art critic and writer

Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.

-o0o-

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

The Reader, by Jean-Honoré Fragonard

DIANNE HOUSTON b.1954

African-American film director and screen-writer

-o0o-

Only some people get what they want. Those are the people who show up to get it.

THE SATURDAY POEM

Lucy
William Wordsworth 1770-1850

She dwelt among the untrodden ways
Beside the springs of Dove,
A Maid whom there were none to praise
And very few to love:

A violet by a mossy stone
Half hidden from the eye!
Fair as a star, when only one
Is shining in the sky.

She lived unknown, and few could know
When Lucy ceased to be;
But she is in her grave, and oh,
The difference to me!

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARK TWAIN (Samuel Clemens) 1835-1910

American humorist, author of Huckleberry Finn

-o0o-

It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart; the one to slander you and the other to get the news to you.

 

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ALBERT SCHWEITZER 1875-1965

German medical missionary, theologian, philosopher and musician.

-o0o-

An optomist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stop-light. The truly wise person is colour-blind.

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RANDALL JARRELL 1914-65

American poet and critic

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One of the most obvious facts about grown-ups, to a child, is that they have forgotten what it is like to be a child.

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SAMUEL JOHNSON 1709-84

English lexicographer, critic and poet.

-o0o-

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS - Lady Lilith by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT 1884-1962

First Lady of the USA from 1933 to 1945

-o0o-

 

I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn one's back on life.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

AMBROSE PHILIPS 1674-1749

English poet and politician

-o0o-

The flowers anew returning seasons bring,
But beauty faded has no second spring. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ZHAO ZHENKA b.1949

Chinese writer of poetry and fiction

-o0o-

Freedom is only the distance between the hunter and his prey.

THE SATURDAY POEM

True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.

True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.

True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands
The hearts that it entwines. - ANON
 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

NORMAN VINCENT PEALE

Change your thoughts and you change your world. 

-o0o-

NEW - now online - NEW

THE THOMAS HARDY POETRY PAGE

http://thethomashardypoetrypage.blogspot.com

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ELIZABETH TAYLOR 1932-2011

British-American actress

-o0o-

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

BOB MARLEY 1945-81

Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

GRANDMA MOSES 1860-1961

American folk artist

Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.

-o0o-

NEW - beginning Friday 26th April - NEW

The Thomas Hardy Poetry Page

http://thethomashardypoetrypage.blogspot.com

A.P. HERBERT 1890-1971

 English writer, poet and politician

-o0o-

Well, fancy giving money to the Government!
Might as well have put it down the drain.
Fancy giving money to the Government!
Nobody will see the stuff again. 

JUST JAZZ

has been updated today

http://mykindofjazz.blogspot.com

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REBECCA WEST 1892-1983

English novelist, journalist and critic. 

-o0o-

There is, of course, no reason for the existence of the male sex except that one sometimes needs help with moving the piano.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

VICTOR HUGO 1802-85

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.

THE SATURDAY POEM

Jenny kiss’d me when we met,

    Jumping from the chair she sat in;

Time, you thief, who love to get

    Sweets into your list, put that in!

Say I’m weary, say I’m sad,

    Say that health and wealth have miss’d me,

Say I’m growing old, but add,

    Jenny kiss’d me    - Leigh Hunt. 1784–1859

SOCRATES c.469BC-369BC

Greek Athenian philosopher

-o0o-

The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.

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AUDREY HEPBURN

I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.

-o0o-

Today on JUST JAZZ

The Benny Goodman Trio

http://mykindofjazz.blogspot.com

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NIDO QUBEIN

American businessman and motivational speaker

-o0o-

Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MAHATMA GANDHI 1869-1948

Indian nationalist leader who advocated peaceful non-co-operation to achieve independence.

 

-o0o-

 

Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our very being. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

OPRAH WINFREY b.1954

American media proprietor and talk show host.

-o0o-

If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. That's the lesson. 

That lesson alone, will save you a lot of grief. Even doubt means don't.

A new blog began today  -

JUST JAZZ

three videos featuring the late Kenny Ball

http://mykindofjazz.blogspot.com

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MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. 1929-68

American clergyman who was leader of the African-American Civil Rights Movement. 

-o0o-

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a moulder of consensus.

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ANATOLE FRANCE 1844-1924

French poet, journalist and novelist

-o0o-

When a thing has been said and well said, have no scruple: 

take it and copy it.

THE SATURDAY POEM

I meant to do my work today -
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
And a butterfly flitted across the field,
And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went sighing over the land
Tossing the grasses to and fro,
And a rainbow held out its shining hand -
So what could I do but laugh and go?

- Richard Le Gallienne 1866-1947

This is a new feature which will be included here every Saturday

LAWANA BLACKWELL

American novelist

-o0o-

 

The hatred you're carrying is a live coal in your heart - far more damaging to yourself than to them.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

THEOPHILE GAUTIER 1811-72

French poet, novelist and critic.

-o0o-

Pride leaves the heart the moment love enters it.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

GAUTAMA BUDDHA c563-c483 BC

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

CARL LEWIS b.1961

American track and field athlete. United Nations Goodwill Ambassador

-o0o-

If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MAYA ANGELOU b.1928

American author and poet.

-o0o-

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived. However, if faced with courage, need not be lived again.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

PLATO 428/427–348/347 BC

Greek philosopher and mathematician.

-o0o-

He who is of a calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age, but to him who is of an opposite disposition, youth and age are equally a burden. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANTON CHEKHOV 1860-1904

Russian physicist, dramatist and author 

-o0o-

Tell me what you want, and I will tell you what manner of man you are. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

BILL GATES b.1955

American business magnate and philanthropist. He is the former chief executive of Microsoft which he co-founded with Paul Allen.

-o0o-

Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANITA LOOS 1889-1981

American screenwriter, playwright and author

-o0o-

I’m furious about the Woman’s Liberationists. They keep getting up on soap-boxes and proclaiming that women are brighter than men. That’s true, but it should be kept very quiet or it ruins the whole racket.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

FRANCIS BACON 1561-1626

English philosopher and statesman

-o0o-

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANON

Don’t regret growing older; it’s a privilege denied to many. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

OMAR KHAYYAM 1048-1131

Persian philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and poet who wrote the Rubaiyat. 

-o0o-

Never anticipate tomorrow’s sorrows; live always in this paradisal (paradise) now.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

RUDYARD KIPLING 1865-1935

English writer of popular verse who was famous for his “Jungle Book.”

-o0o-

Take my word for it, the silliest woman can manage a clever man, but it takes a very clever woman to manage a fool.

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FRAN LEBOWITZ b1951

American writer

-o0o-

 

I never met anyone who didn't have a very smart child. 

What happens to these children, you wonder, when they reach adulthood?

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MAXIM GORKY 1868-1936

Soviet writer and political activist  

-o0o-

Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and precious it is.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

WASHINGTON IRVING 1783-1859

American essayist who wrote “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”  

-o0o-

A tart temper never mellows with age, and a sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

 

HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW 1807-82

American poet and educator

-o0o-

Sorrow and silence are strong and patient; endurance is godlike.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

J.K. ROWLING b.1965

British novelist best known for her Harry Potter books

-o0o-

Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.

-o0o-

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS

Florence Nightingale Receiving the Wounded at Scutari, by Jerry Barrett

http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

ISAAC NEWTON 1642-1727

English physicist and mathematician

-o0o-

If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.

Today on THE ETERNAL VENUS 

The Lady with the Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci

http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

CARL JUNG 1875-1961

Swiss psychiatrist

-o0o-

You are what you do, not what you say you will do.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARCUS AURELIUS 121-180 AD

Roman Emperor from 161-180

-o0o-

Nowhere can a man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Chinese Proverb

Before setting out for revenge, first dig two graves - one for your enemy and one for yourself

-o0o-

EMILY DICKINSON 1830-86

American poet

-o0o-

Success is counted sweetest by those who ne’er succeed.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ARNOLD BENNETT 1867-1931

English novelist  

-o0o-

A most curious and useful thing to realise is that one never knows the impression one is creating on other people. 

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WILLIAM FEATHER 1889-1981

American publisher and author

-o0o-

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness. Not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE 1820-1910

English nurse and hospital reformer during the Crimean War

-o0o-

No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this - "devoted and obedient." This definition would do just as well for a porter. It might even do for a horse.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ANTOINE de SAINT-EXUPERY 1900-44

French aristocrat writer, poet and pioneering aviator

-o0o-

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but on looking together in the same direction.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

HELEN KELLER 1880-1968

American writer and lecturer who was both deaf and blind

-o0o-

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE 1844-1900

German philosopher

-o0o-

Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Updated every Friday - QUIRKIE QUOTES 
http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com
 

BERTRAND RUSSELL 1872-1970

British philosopher, mathematician, historian and social critic

-o0o-

 No rules, however wise, are a substitute for affection and tact.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

DORIS LESSING b.1919

 Rhodesian writer exiled to Britain

-o0o-

There is only one real sin, and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but the second best.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ROBERT SOUTHEY 1774-1843

English poet who was Poet Laureate from 1813 till his death.

-o0o-

Curses are like young chickens. They always come home to roost.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

L.M. MONTGOMERY 1874-1942

Canadian author best known for "Anne of Green Gables"

-o0o-

Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.

-o0o-

beginning today - THE ETERNAL VENUS

http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

SAMUEL JOHNSON 1709-84

English poet, essayist, critic and biographer

-o0o-

Almost every man wastes part of his life in attempting to display qualities which he does not possess, and to gain applause which he cannot keep.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

JOHN RUSKIN 1819-1900

English art critic

-o0o-

Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies, for instance.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

EMILY BRONTE 1818-48

English novelist and poet

-o0o-

I've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they've gone through and through me like wine through water, and altered the colour of my mind.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

beginning Monday 11th March

THE ETERNAL VENUS

a celebration of women in paintings

http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

CONFUCIUS 551BC-479BC

Chinese teacher and philosopher

-o0o-

I hear and I forget,

I see and I remember,

I do and I understand.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

PENELOPE FITZGERALD 1916-2000

Booker prize-winning English novelist and poet

-o0o-

Twice in your life you know that you are approved by everyone; 

when you learn to walk and when you learn to read.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARCEL PROUST 1871-1922

French novelist and essayist

-o0o-

We do not receive wisdom. We must discover it for ourselves after experience which no one else can have for us and from which no one else can spare us.

NEW - beginning Monday 11th March - NEW
THE ETERNAL VENUS
a celebration of women in paintings
http://theeternalvenus.blogspot.com

GAUTAMA BUDDHA circa563 BC to 483 BC

A spiritual teacher from the Indian subcontinent, on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. 

-o0o-

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; 

not going all the way, and not starting.

 -o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

IRIS MURDOCH 1919-99

Irish-born British author and philosopher

-o0o-

What can one do with the past? 

Forgive it. Let it enter into you in peace.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

H.L. MENCKEN 1880-1956

American journalist, essayist and satirist

-o0o-

A good politician is quite as unthinkable as a good burglar. 

updated every week-end

QUIRKIE QUOTES

including "What a Nasty Thing to Say"

http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com

BLAISE PASCAL 1623-62

French mathematician, inventor and philosopher

-o0o-

The more intelligent a man is, the more originality he discovers in others. 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

ERICA JONG b.1942

American author and teacher

-o0o-

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

JOSEPH ADDISON 1672-1719

English poet, playwright and essayist

-o0o-

It was a saying of an ancient philosopher that a good face is a letter of recommendation.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

WILLIAM HAZLITT 1778-1830

English writer and essayist

-o0o-

Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MAYA ANGELOU b.1928-

American writer and poet

-o0o-

The quality of strength lined with tenderness is an unbeatable combination, as are intelligence and necessity when unblunted by formal education.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

H.G. WELLS 1866-1946

British novelist, historian and journalist

-o0o-

Moral indignation is just jealousy with a halo around it 

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

THOMAS FULLER 1654-1734

British physician and writer

-o0o-

Bacchus has drowned more men than Neptune.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Updated every Friday
QUIRKIE QUOTES 
http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com

VIRGINIA WOOLF 1882-1941

British author and feminist

-o0o-

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

MARK TWAIN (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)1835-1910

American author and humorist

-o0o-

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

JAMES LOWELL 1819-91

American poet and critic

There is no good arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.

-o0o-

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.

THIS BLOG IS SEVEN YEARS OLD TODAY

Since 19th February 2006 more than 2,300 quotations have appeared and the site will soon have had 23,000 hits. Here's to the next 7 years!

-o0o-

ENID BLYTON

Growing old is compulsory, but growing up is optional.

-o0o-

VINCE LOMBARDI

The spirit, the will to win and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.

 

-o0o-

African Proverb

I pointed out to you the stars and all you saw was the tip of my finger.  

-o0o-

WINSTON CHURCHILL

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Updated today

 QUIRKIE QUOTES

http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com

and

 IMAGES TO GLADDEN THE EYE

http://imagestogladdentheeye.blogspot.com

CECIL BEATON

Perhaps the world's second worst crime is boredom. The first is being a bore.

-o0o-

KAREN KENYON

Life need not just happen to us. We can choose. We are choosing every moment which direction to turn, towards the light or towards the dark.

 

-o0o-

RUMER GODDEN

There is an Indian belief that everyone is in a house of four rooms - a physical, a mental, an emotional and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time, but unless we go into every room everyday, even if only to keep it aired, we are not complete.

 

-o0o-

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

-o0o-

ANON

Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.

-o0o-

MAYA ANGELOU

Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.

IMAGES TO GLADDEN THE EYE

has been updated

http://imagestogladdentheeye.blogspot.com

GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE

Now and then its good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

QUIRKIE QUOTES
a new batch has been posted today
http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com

Chinese Proverb

You cannot judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes

 

-o0o-

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

We are all travellers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.

-o0o-

EMILY DICKINSON

Old age comes on suddenly, and not gradually as is thought.

QUIRKIE QUOTES
including "What a Nasty Thing to Say"
http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Glass, china and reputations are easily cracked but never well mended.

-o0o-

MATTHEW SYAD

Happiness, it turns out, is a destination that we can only reach when we are trying to get somewhere else.

-o0o-

WINSTON CHURCHILL

Saving is a very fine thing, especially if your parents have done it for you.

-o0o-

GEORGE ELIOT

Decide on what you think is right, and stick to it.

-o0o-

now online

QUIRKIE QUOTES
a collection of cheeky comments, put-downs, etc.
updated every Friday
http://quirkiequotes.blogspot.com