Language is our means of getting at language. Hence our difficulties as we attempt to get at the mystery of language.
Palmer Coates, The Dark Afternoon of the Soul.
—If [the past] had been so great it never would have changed.
—No. You are quite wrong, sir. That it changed is proof that it was great. Or comparatively so. You see, change is destruction. And destruction, sir, is evil.
Paul Enderby, The Universal Adjustment Bureau.
What intellectuals say forms a powerful indicator of the way things are not. How the world isn’t. One could ask: What is their track record?
Jason K. Broadus, The Ice of My Dreams.
“Well, the kids today think that they know everything,” groaned Mrs. Pyrtle.
“Actually, they do know everything,” replied Mr. Cowlishaw. “Everything about the world as thimble.“
Will Hewes, Little To Do.
I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot. I am not a robot.
Roger Hedgecook, Stolen and Sold for Parts.
Social Media: the demotic Romanticism of the 1960s counter-culture taken to nightmarish proportions—universal self-expression.
Roger Hedgecook, Stolen and Sold for Parts.
“What is the matter that disturbeth you so?” demanded Mr. Hotchkiss.
“Matter,” quoth the Pupil.
Benedict Hooke, The Ascent of Childe Worthham. (1784)
…then, she would stack one lie upon another. It was difficult to gain a perspective on any particular lie. And, naturally, it was hard to believe that it was all lies.
Michael Longmire, The Haunting of Harold.
“Oh, by the way, Walter, there is a hinge that needs tending.”
Alberta Traywick, Susannah’s Accident.
“Are those tears, Gwen? Or is that some other fluid?”
Trent Bendix, Patricia Knows Best.
dennis scharnberg 