The Oxford dictionary of modern quotations (39 page)

private opulence and public squalor, the private goods have full sway.

Affluent Society (1958) ch. 18. Cf. Sallust's Catiline 1ii. 22: Habemus

publice egestatem, privatim opulentiam. We have public poverty and

private opulence.

Politics is not the art of the possible. It consists in choosing between

the disastrous and the unpalatable.

Letter to President Kennedy, 2 Mar. 1962, in Ambassador's Journal (1969)

p. 312. Cf. R. A. Butler 43:1

7.5 John Galsworthy =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1867-1933

He [Jolyon] was afflicted by the thought that where Beauty was, nothing

ever ran quite straight, which, no doubt, was why so many people looked on

it as immoral.

In Chancery (1920) pt. 1, ch. 13

I s'pose Jolyon's told you something about the young man. From all I can

learn, he's got no business, no income, and no connection worth speaking

of; but then, I know nothing--nobody tells me anything.

Man of Property (1906) pt. 1, ch. 1

7.6 Ray Galton and Alan Simpson =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Ray Galton 1930-

Alan Simpson 1929-

I came in here in all good faith to help my country. I don't mind giving

a reasonable amount [of blood], but a pint...why that's very nearly an

armful. I'm sorry. I'm not walking around with an empty arm for anybody.

The Blood Donor (1961 television programme) in Hancock's Half Hour (1974)

p. 113 (words spoken by Tony Hancock)

7.7 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1869-1948

Recently I saw a film of Gandhi when he came to England in 1930. He

disembarked in Southampton and on the gangway he was already overwhelmed

by journalists asking questions. One of them asked, "Mr Gandhi, what do

you think of modern civilization?" And Mr Gandhi said, "That would be a

good idea."

E. F. Schumacher Good Work (1979) ch. 2

What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless,

whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism

or the holy name of liberty or democracy?

Non-Violence in Peace and War (1942) vol. 1, ch. 142

The moment the slave resolves that he will no longer be a slave, his

fetters fall. He frees himself and shows the way to others. Freedom and

slavery are mental states.

Non-Violence in Peace and War (1949) vol. 2, ch. 5

I wanted to avoid violence. Non-violence is the first article of my faith.

It is also the last article of my creed.

Speech at Shahi Bag, 18 Mar. 1922, in Young India 23 Mar. 1922

7.8 Greta Garbo (Greta Lovisa Gustafsson) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1905-1990

I want to be alone....I just want to be alone.

Grand Hotel (1932 film; script by William A. Drake)

I tank I go home.

On being refused a pay rise by Louis B. Mayer, in Norman Zierold Moguls

(1969) ch. 9

7.9 Ed Gardner =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1905-1963

Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and, instead of bleeding, he

sings.

In Duffy's Tavern (1940s American radio programme)

7.10 John Nance Garner =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1868-1967

The vice-presidency isn't worth a pitcher of warm piss.

In O. C. Fisher Cactus Jack (1978) ch. 11

7.11 Bamber Gascoigne =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1935-

Your starter for ten.

Phrase often used in University Challenge (ITV quiz series, 1962-1987

7.12 Noel Gay (Richard Moxon Armitage) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1898-1954

I'm leaning on a lamp-post at the corner of the street,

In case a certain little lady comes by.

Leaning on a Lamp-Post (1937 song; sung by George Formby in film Father

Knew Best)

7.13 Noel Gay and Ralph Butler =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Noel Gay 1898-1954

Run, rabbit, run, rabbit, run, run, run.

Run, rabbit, run, rabbit, run, run, run.

Bang, bang, bang, bang, goes the farmer's gun,

Run, rabbit, run, rabbit, run, run, run.

Run Rabbit Run! (1939 song)

7.14 Sir Eric Geddes =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1875-1937

The Germans, if this Government is returned, are going to pay every penny;

they are going to be squeezed as a lemon is squeezed-- until the pips

squeak. My only doubt is not whether we can squeeze hard enough, but

whether there is enough juice.

Speech at Cambridge, 10 Dec. 1918, in Cambridge Daily News 11 Dec. 1918

7.15 Bob Geldof =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1954-

Most people get into bands for three very simple rock and roll reasons: to

get laid, to get fame, and to get rich.

Melody Maker 27 Aug. 1977

7.16 Bob Geldof and Midge Ure =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Bob Geldof 1954-

Feed the world

Feed the world.

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmas time again.

Do They Know it's Christmas? (1984 song)

7.17 King George V =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1865-1936

After I am dead, the boy [Edward VIII] will ruin himself in twelve months.

In Keith Middlemas and John Barnes Baldwin (1969) ch. 34

I said to your predecessor: "You know what they're all saying, no more

coals to Newcastle, no more Hoares to Paris." The fellow didn't even

laugh.

Remark to Anthony Eden, 23 Dec. 1935, following Samuel Hoare's resignation

as Foreign Secretary on 18 Dec. 1935, in Earl of Avon Facing the

Dictators (1962) pt. 2, ch. 1

I venture to allude to the impression which seemed generally to prevail

among their brethren across the seas, that the Old Country must wake up if

she intends to maintain her old position of pre-eminence in her Colonial

trade against foreign competitors.

Speech at Guildhall, 5 Dec. 1901, in Harold Nicolson King George V (1952)

p. 73 (the speech was reprinted in 1911 with the title "Wake up, England")

Bugger Bognor.

Remark said to have been made either in 1929 when the King was informed

that a deputation of leading citizens was asking that the town should be

named Bognor Regis because of his convalescence there after a serious

illness, or on his death-bed in 1936 when one of his doctors sought to

soothe him with the remark "Cheer up, your Majesty, you will soon be at

Bognor again." See Kenneth Rose King George V (1983) ch. 9

The last time I talked to the King [George V] on the morning of his death,

Monday 20th, he had The Times on his table in front of him opened at the

"Imperial and Foreign" page and I think his remark to me, "How's the

Empire?" was prompted by some para. he had read on this page.

Letter from Lord Wigram, 31 Jan. 1936, in J. E. Wrench Geoffrey Dawson and

Our Times (1955) ch. 28

Gentlemen, I am so sorry for keeping you waiting like this. I am unable to

concentrate.

Words spoken on his death-bed, reported in memorandum by Lord Wigram,

20 Jan. 1936, in History Today Dec. 1986

I have many times asked myself whether there can be more potent advocates

of peace upon earth through the years to come than this massed multitude

of silent witnesses to the desolation of war.

Message read at Terlincthun Cemetery, Boulogne, 13 May 1922, in The Times

15 May 1922

7.18 Daniel George (Daniel George Bunting) =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

O Freedom, what liberties are taken in thy name!

In Sagittarius and D. George Perpetual Pessimist (1963) p. 58

7.19 George Gershwin =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1898-1937

See Ira Gershwin (7.20)

7.20 Ira Gershwin =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1896-1983

A foggy day in London Town

Had me low and had me down.

I viewed the morning with alarm,

The British Museum had lost its charm.

How long, I wondered, could this thing last?

But the age of miracles hadn't passed,

For, suddenly, I saw you there

And through foggy London town the sun was shining everywhere.

A Foggy Day (1937 song; music by George Gershwin)

I got rhythm,

I got music,

I got my man

Who could ask for anything more?

I Got Rhythm (1930 song; music by George Gershwin)

Lady, be good!

Title of musical (1924; music by George Gershwin)

You like potato and I like po-tah-to,

You like tomato and I like to-mah-to;

Potato, po-tah-to, tomato, to-mah-to--

Let's call the whole thing off!

Let's Call the Whole Thing Off (1937 song; music by George Gershwin)

Holding hands at midnight

'Neath a starry sky,

Nice work if you can get it,

And you can get it if you try.

Nice Work If You Can Get It (1937 song; music by George Gershwin)

7.21 Stella Gibbons =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1902-1989

Every year, in the fulness o' summer, when the sukebind hangs heavy from

the wains...'tes the same. And when the spring comes her hour is upon her

again. 'Tes the hand of Nature and we women cannot escape it.

Cold Comfort Farm (1932) ch. 5

When you were very small--so small that the lightest puff of breeze blew

your little crinoline skirt over your head--you had seen something nasty

in the woodshed.

Cold Comfort Farm (1932) ch. 10

Mr Mybug, however, did ask Rennett to marry him. He said that, by god, D.

H. Lawrence was right when he had said there must be a dumb, dark, dull,

bitter belly-tension between a man and a woman, and how else could this be

achieved save in the long monotony of marriage?

Cold Comfort Farm (1932) ch. 20

7.22 Wolcott Gibbs =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1902-1958

Backward ran sentences until reeled the mind.

New Yorker 28 Nov. 1936 "Time...Fortune...Life...Luce" (satirizing the

style of Time magazine)

Where it will all end, knows God!

New Yorker 28 Nov. 1936 "Time...Fortune...Life...Luce" (satirizing the

style of Time magazine)

7.23 Kahlil Gibran =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1883-1931

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They came through you but not from you

And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit,

not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you,

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent

forth.

Prophet (1923) "On Children"

Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love but only with

distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate

of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy.

Prophet (1923) "On Work"

An exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper.

Sand and Foam (1926) p. 59

7.24 Wilfrid Wilson Gibson =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1878-1962

But we, how shall we turn to little things

And listen to the birds and winds and streams

Made holy by their dreams,

Nor feel the heart-break in the heart of things?

Whin (1918) "Lament"

7.25 Andr� Gide =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1869-1951

M'est avis...que le profit n'est pas toujours ce qui m�ne l'homme; qu'il y

a des actions d�sint�ress�es....Par d�sint�ress� j'entends: gratuit. Et

que le mal, ce que l'on appelle: le mal, peut �tre aussi gratuit que le

bien.

I believe...that profit is not always what motivates man; that there are

disinterested actions....By disinterested I mean: gratuitous. And that

evil acts, what people call evil, can be as gratuitous as good acts.

Les Caves du Vatican (The Vatican Cellars, 1914) bk. 4, ch. 7

Hugo--h�las!

Hugo--alas!

Answer when he was asked who was the greatest 19th-century poet, in Claude

Martin La Maturit� d'Andr� Gide (1977) p. 502

7.26 Eric Gill =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

1882-1940

That state is a state of Slavery in which a man does what he likes to do

in his spare time and in his working time that which is required of him.

Art-nonsense and Other Essays (1929) "Slavery and Freedom"