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Quotes about comedy

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There was a society of men among us, bred up from their youth in the art of proving, by words multiplied for the purpose, that white is black, and black is white, according as they are paid.
Jonathan Swift1667–1745Gulliver’s Travels (1726), Part IV: A Voyage to the Country of the Houyhnhnms, Chapter VIn context
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasee, or a ragoust.
Jonathan Swift1667–1745A Modest Proposal (1729)In context
- Children
- Food
I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children.
Jonathan Swift1667–1745A Modest Proposal (1729)In context
- Clever Jabs
I profess in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavouring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the publick good of my country, by advancing our trade, providing for infants, relieving the poor, and giving some pleasure to the rich.
Jonathan Swift1667–1745A Modest Proposal (1729)In context
Social science means inventing a certain brand of human we can understand.
Nassim Nicholas Talebborn 1960The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms (2010), p. 95
- Clever Jabs
- Science
Academia is to knowledge what prostitution is to love.
Nassim Nicholas Talebborn 1960The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms (2010), p. 4
To be completely cured of newspapers, spend a year reading the previous week’s newspapers.
Nassim Nicholas Talebborn 1960The Bed of Procrustes: Philosophical and Practical Aphorisms (2010), p. 21
- Clever Jabs
- Journalism
He that has ears to hear, let him stuff them with cotton.
William Makepeace Thackeray1811–1863The Virginians (1857-1859), Ch. 38.
If people only made prudent marriages, what a stop to population there would be!
William Makepeace Thackeray1811–1863Vanity Fair (1848), Chapter XVIIn context
- Marriage
Yes, if a man’s character is to be abused, say what you will, there’s nobody like a relation to do the business.
William Makepeace Thackeray1811–1863Vanity Fair (1848), Chapter XIXIn context
- Clever Jabs
- Family
I think I could be a good woman if I had five thousand a year.
William Makepeace Thackeray1811–1863Vanity Fair (1848), Chapter XLIIn context
- Money
- Virtue
The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.
Hunter S. Thompson1937–2005
- Clever Jabs
- Music
If you’re going to be crazy, you have to get paid for it or else you’re going to be locked up.
Hunter S. Thompson1937–2005BankRate.com Interview (1 November 2004)
He could shake your hand and stab you in the back at the same time.
Hunter S. Thompson1937–2005He Was A Crook (1994)
- Clever Jabs
The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to those who see it coming and jump aside.
Hunter S. Thompson1937–2005The Rum Diary (1998)