In an old book, long out of print, I found these lines: “Any Whig, upon being given a time machine, would return to the past and preach against the evils of Whiggishness after experiencing even the slightest glimpse of a Whig future.”
Roderick Hewes, Introduction to the World of Light.
One effective way to annihilate fact is to insist that we formulate a theory of fact.
Lawrence Rittle, The Fundamentals of Confusion.
“Mr. Derbyshire claims that he has heard muttering in his shrubbery. And on more than one occasion.”
Glynnis Hoving, The Multiplication Murders.
Boredom: the inevitable consequence of the farewell to judgment.
Callista Ralph, Alphabet Soup.
“We are taught to doubt.” No, you are taught to play at doubt. To engage in the theater of doubt. But this “doubt” in no way precludes going out for pizza with your chums.
Sloane Daniels, The Ways of Undoing.
The truth is that we are ignorant in most things. Beware, citizen, of those who claim to offer information.
Cooper W. Barthelme, A Systems Approach to Advice.
Uncertainty is a form of bliss. We serve it up to ourselves.
Paul Uccelo, The Enigma of the Box.
Once a year, formulate a list of mistakes that you have made. Be thorough.
Nicholas James Barnarby, ed., Dr. Sonderborg’s Book of DOs and DON’Ts.
“Hysteria” or “Wisteria”—which do you prefer?
Charles Pfanning, Mild Interrogations.
No one today wants to listen, or to find out. Everyone already knows. Besides, there is no way to “find out”.
Mills Verbruggen, The Isle of Dogs.
dennis scharnberg 