OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
Old age is when one's memories are more filled with hope than one's future.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
Old age is when you do not want any more memories because you have trouble remembering the ones you already have.
THE DOG OF OSCAR WILDE AND THE FROG OF MARK TWAIN
FAMOUS PETS
ON: SIN
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
Sin is most noticeable in those who commit it most infrequently.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
Sin is most noticeable in others. Period.
You may also be interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “Grief is no Stranger to Me.” (She did not discover the poem herself, as she is dead, and has been for several weeks.) Please visit the following:
Several books by Vincent P. Lewis are available on-line at Amazon and Lulu. Please search by author’s name.
ON: LOVING ANOTHER
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
He who identifies whom he loves risks a broken heart. He who does not has a dead heart.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
Being married, I am not fit to comment on loving another… than my wife, that is.
You may also be interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “Can We Tell the Child of Death?” (She did not discover the poem herself, as she is dead.) Please visit the following. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
Several books by Vincent P. Lewis are available on-line at Amazon and Lulu. Please search by author’s name.
ON: QUESTIONS
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
We convey more information about ourselves by the questions that we ask than by those that we answer.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
I wonder what Mister Wilde means by that comment?
You may be interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “I Sing of Those Lonely Heroes.” Please visit the following.
Several books by Vincent P. Lewis are available on-line at Amazon and Lulu. Please search by author’s name.
ON: JUDGING OTHER PEOPLE
OSCAR WILDE
OBSERVES
What we
fear most in ourselves is what we attack most in others… whom, I find,
generally, to be delightful and witty people.
MARK
TWAIN REMARKS
I am most
afraid of having to live in a world populated with people like I am. Others are too.
You may be
interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “If I Should Die.” Please visit the following. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
Several books by Vincent P. Lewis
are available on--line at Amazon and Lulu.
Please search by author’s name.
ON: EXPERIENCE
OSCAR
WILDE OBSERVES
One
experience is not sufficient to instruct.
Only the second or third repetition will show that life is primarily not
a matter of coincidence and fortunate chance.
MARK
TWAIN TWAIN REMARKS
Fortunate
chance may well preserve a happy ignorance by preventing that second or third
repetition.
You may be
interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “Friend Book Can Take
Us.” Please visit the following.
Several books by Vincent P. Lewis
are available on--line at Amazon and Lulu.
Please search by author’s name.
ON: READING THE BIBLE
OSCAR WILDE
OBSERVES
I read the
Bible religiously. This means,
once a week, for less than one hour, and with my mind wandering to other
subjects, as I attempt to remain awake.
MARK TWAIN
REMARKS
Mister Wilde forgot to
add: “Getting angry at the other ‘readers’ in the parking lot when they all try
to leave at once.”
ON: PERCEPTION
OSCAR
WILDE OBSERVES
The
secret to successful perception is to know when to stop looking.
MARK
TWAIN REMARKS
I shall
stop looking when I am wise enough to prefer deception over perception.
You may be
interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “Heaven is here on
Earth.” Please visit the following. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
Several books by Vincent P. Lewis
are available on-line at Amazon and Lulu.
Please search by author’s name.
ON: UNREQUITED LOVE
OSCAR
WILDE OBSERVES
The
unrequited love blinds us to defects.
MARK
TWAIN REMARKS
I sometimes
wish that my wife did not return my love so strongly.
You may be
interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “A Road Leads to the
Town.” Please visit http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/.
Several books by Vincent P. Lewis
are available on-line at Amazon and Lulu.
Please search by author’s name.
ON: MODERN ERRORS
OSCAR
WILDE OBSERVES
The major
error of modern times is the belief that, because so much more is known for
certain, fewer errors are made.
MARK
TWAIN REMARKS
Mister
Wilde could be wrong on that, but I do not know for certain.
You may be
interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “I Can Walk the Path.”
not a Stranger.” Please visit the following.
Books by Vincent P. Lewis are
available on line at Amazon and Lulu.
Please search by author’s name.
ON: SMALL FAVORS (AGAIN)
OSCAR WILDE
OBSERVES
More than
most, I appreciate even the smallest favors done for me. This is because I am so nearly perfect that it
is possible to do only small favors for me.
MARK
TWAIN REMARKS
A small
favor is a sign that the other fellow feels that you are no longer going to be of
use to him. However, he is not quite
positive, and wants insurance.
You
may be interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “Death is not
a Stranger.” Please visit http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
Books
by Vincent Lewis are available on Amazon and Lulu.com.
ON: HAPPINESS
OSCAR
WILDE OBSERVES
People who
have made a wrong choice are least likely to respond truthfully when asked if
they are happy.
MARK
TWAIN
As misery
loves company, it must truly be happy and never lonely.
You
may be interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “The Greatest
Joy.” Please visit http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
Books
by Vincent Lewis are available on Amazon and Lulu.com.
ON: CRITICISM
OSCAR
WILDE OBSERVES
It
may be better to light one candle than to curse the darkness. However, criticism is more fun to express,
and more pleasing to listen to.
MARK
TWAIN REMARKS
It
is better to light one cigar.
You
may be interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson, “God enables
us to desire.” Please visit http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
Books
by Vincent Lewis are available on Amazon and Lulu.com.
ON: FABLES
OSCAR
WILDE OBSERVES
Only
an undeveloped culture does not have a profound appreciation of fantasy and
fable as a means of teaching virtues.
MARK
TWAIN REMARKS
I
have found that the highly cultured are not virtuous in the least. Of course, neither is anyone else. It is only that these highly cultured types
are also terribly pretentious.
You
may be interested in a newly discovered poem by Emily Dickinson. Please visit http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
ON: AUTOBIOGRAPHIES
OSCAR WILDE
OBSERVES
To write an
autobiography is to declare that the story of one’s life is worth more than the
deaths of several trees. The
validity of the judgment depends more upon the quality of the trees than of the
person.
MARK TWAIN
REMARKS
I would
rather read my own autobiography than write it. I would then rearrange the circumstances of the final
chapter to avoid the conclusion, and gain additional time.
Emily Dickinson once composed a greeting card. You can read it at the following location. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
ON: TALENT
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
Those who lack talent to such
a degree that they can recognize neither it nor its total absence are
thereby mercifully spared the realization of the true level of their own
ability.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
Talent is simply being able
to fool enough of the people enough of the time for long enough to get them to pay you often enough for what you do.
You may be interested in
Emily Dickinson’s newest poem, “The soul seeks its own company.” You can read it at http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
ON: SMALL FAVORS
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
We should be grateful for having small favors done for us, as we are unlikely to know anyone who is willing to do a big one.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
Most small favors were originally big favors are done by people who lost interest in helping us before they finished.
You may be interested in how the USA compares with the Ancient Roman Empire. Please visit http://www.vinlewis.typepad.com/analysis_and_explanations
We should be grateful for having small favors done for us, as we are unlikely to know anyone who is willing to do a big one.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
Most small favors were originally big favors are done by people who lost interest in helping us before they finished.
You may also be interested in Emily Dickinson's newest poem: "Am I Library?" Please visit. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
You may be interested in how the USA compares with the Ancient Roman Empire. Please visit http://www.vinlewis.typepad.com/analysis_and_explanations
ON: BEING RELIGIOUS
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
It is not hypocrisy that troubles us in the seriously religious person. It is sincerity.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
The seriously religious person is seriously annoying only when he is not seriously amusing.
It is not hypocrisy that troubles us in the seriously religious person. It is sincerity.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
The seriously religious person is seriously annoying only when he is not seriously amusing.
ON: ATHEISM
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
Atheism requires more strength of mind than belief. It requires the conscious conquests of both the rational faculty of the mind and the passionate longing of the soul.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
With regard to the Deity I shall reserve judgment, and ask that He do the same with regard to me.
You are invited to visit the following blog, in order to read the most recent uncensored works by Emily Dickinson. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
Atheism requires more strength of mind than belief. It requires the conscious conquests of both the rational faculty of the mind and the passionate longing of the soul.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
With regard to the Deity I shall reserve judgment, and ask that He do the same with regard to me.
You are invited to visit the following blog, in order to read the most recent uncensored works by Emily Dickinson. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
ON: HISTORY
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
The only advantage in having an knowledge of history is being able to correct people you do not like when they make improper references.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
All nations record the same historical events. The only difference is the degree of pain that they admit or hide.
The only advantage in having an knowledge of history is being able to correct people you do not like when they make improper references.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
All nations record the same historical events. The only difference is the degree of pain that they admit or hide.
ON: LYING
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
To tell a simple lie requires no talent. To tell the precise truth, in a way that is misunderstood, and then have the misperception believed, this requires both intelligence and skill.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
I wonder if he is telling the truth on this.
To tell a simple lie requires no talent. To tell the precise truth, in a way that is misunderstood, and then have the misperception believed, this requires both intelligence and skill.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
I wonder if he is telling the truth on this.
ON: MIRACLES
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
When we consider our own existence, it is far easier to believe in miracles than to believe that they do not occur. At least this is easier when considering my existence.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
It is not so much that I disbelieve in miracles. I simply wonder why such exceptional events have not yet made the world a better place to live.
When we consider our own existence, it is far easier to believe in miracles than to believe that they do not occur. At least this is easier when considering my existence.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
It is not so much that I disbelieve in miracles. I simply wonder why such exceptional events have not yet made the world a better place to live.
ON: HOPE AND FEAR
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
One can only hope when one fears that bad fortune is likely. Virtue often exists only in the presence of its opposite vice.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
I fear that he may be right about this, but I hope not.
One can only hope when one fears that bad fortune is likely. Virtue often exists only in the presence of its opposite vice.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
I fear that he may be right about this, but I hope not.
ON: LIFE AS THEATER
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
Society's rituals and formalities serve as plots for those who are not creative enough to devise plays for their own lives.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
I don't mind following a plot. I just want to be able to write the last scene... and the reviews.
You are invited to visit the following site. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
Society's rituals and formalities serve as plots for those who are not creative enough to devise plays for their own lives.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
I don't mind following a plot. I just want to be able to write the last scene... and the reviews.
You are invited to visit the following site. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
ON: LAWS
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
Most, if not all laws, should
expire automatically, then to be affirmed, revised or revoked based upon newly
discovered knowledge.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
I wonder how long that rule is
supposed to be in effect.
You are invited to visit the following blog, in order to read the most recent works by Emily (she really is dead) Dickinson. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/emily_dickinson/
ON: BEING SINGLE MINDED
OSCAR
WILDE OBSERVES There is
nothing as single minded as that person who has not not learned the limits of
his talent or ability
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
He is referring either to a very
new bride, or a child with a new, and dangerous, toy.
ON: POLITICAL DIFFERENCES
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
A Conservative will oppose a law that costs money if he feels that it will advance liberal causes, even if it will have beneficial results.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
On the other hand, a Liberal will advocate causes only because they cost Conservatives money, even when he knows that the result will not be beneficial.
A Conservative will oppose a law that costs money if he feels that it will advance liberal causes, even if it will have beneficial results.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
On the other hand, a Liberal will advocate causes only because they cost Conservatives money, even when he knows that the result will not be beneficial.
ON: THE OBLIGATION OF AUTHORS
OSCARE WILDE OBSERVES
If an author's writings remind the readers of another then he has merely duplicated. Each true author is obligated to create his own permanently remembered impression.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
This reminds me of something someone else wrote... but I forget who it was.
Books and plays by Vincent Lewis are available online at Amazon and Lulu.com
If an author's writings remind the readers of another then he has merely duplicated. Each true author is obligated to create his own permanently remembered impression.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
This reminds me of something someone else wrote... but I forget who it was.
Books and plays by Vincent Lewis are available online at Amazon and Lulu.com
ON' A USE OF ETIQUETTE
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
Those who are so untalented as to
be unable to write the scripts of their own life dramas, may yet use social
rituals and the rules of etiquette to give acceptable performances.
MARK TWAIN
I don’t mind someone else writing
the drama of my life, as long as I get to write the last scene.
You may find the blog listed
below to be of interest. The current
title is “A Conservative, half right.” It deals with the decline of the USA. http://vinlewis.typepad.com/
ON: DEMOCRACY
OSCAR WILDE OBSERVES
A mob is democracy in
action. An army is only a mob that has
given up its freedom in hope of gain.
MARK TWAIN REMARKS
It is as easy to get a democracy
to wage war as it is a dictatorship. It
is simply more difficult to get the democracy to stop.
You may find the following blog to be of interest. The current title is “A
Conservative, half right.” http://vinlewis.typepad.com/
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