Like most writers, I love good quotes. Don’t you? “I wish I had said that” is a refrain uttered — or thought — by most people.

So, in the spirit of the seasons (Thanksgiving or Christmas, whichever comes first; this year, I’m confused), I will cite some of my favorites, offering attribution when available. Some of the quotes deal with writing and literature. Others are just funny. All come from a marvelous book, 1,911 Best Things Anybody Ever Said by Robert Byrne (not THE Robert Byrne).

“Though I am not naturally honest, I am so sometimes by chance.” – Shakespeare

“The chicken probably came before the egg, because it is hard to imagine God wanting to sit on an egg.” – Unknown

“Thank you for sending me a copy of your book. I’ll waste no time reading it.” – Moses Hadad

“He who hesitates is not only lost, but miles from the next exit.” – Unknown (Been there, done that!)

“Your manuscript is both good and original, but the part that is good is not original and the part that is original is not good.” – Samuel Johnson

“There is no gravity. The earth sucks.” – Graffiti

“A well-written life is almost as rare as a well-spent one.” – Thomas Carlyle

“If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.” – Abraham Lincoln (Hopefully, Abe wasn’t talking to the White House chef.)

“Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these.” – Ovid (More than 2,000 years ago!)

“When in doubt, have two guys come through the door with guns.” – Raymond Chandler (As a mystery and thriller writer myself, I’ve taken this one to heart.)

“You are no bigger than the things that annoy you.” – Jerry Bundsen

“I do most of my writing sitting down. That’s where I shine.” – Robert Benchley

And one of my favorites:

“I don’t want any yes-men around me. I want everybody to tell me the truth if it costs them their jobs.” – Samuel Goldwyn

And finally (for now):

“Nothing is said that has not been said before.” – Terence (Also from over 2,000 years ago!)

Lawrence De Maria has written more than 20 thrillers and mysteries available in print or digitally on Amazon or at www.lawrencedemaria.com. He hopes to be quoted in 2,000 years but is not holding his breath.

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