Wit & Wisdom

“Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up for work.”

Artist Chuck Close, quoted in Art + Auction

“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.’’

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Mark Twain, quoted in ABCnews.com

“The main trouble with holding elections is that you don’t know in advance how they’re going to turn out.”

Former Hong Kong Gov. Lord MacLehose, quoted in The Wall Street Journal

“Children need models more than they need critics.”

Joseph Joubert, quoted in the London Sunday Express

“The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

Broadcaster/author Tom Bodett, quoted in the Charlotte, N.C., Observer

“It’s all right letting yourself go, as long as you can get yourself back.”

Mick Jagger, quoted in Forbes.com

“Scratch any cynic, and you’ll find a disappointed idealist.”

George Carlin, quoted in The New York Times