Proverbs often contradict one another, as any reader soon discovers. The sagacity that advises us to look before we leap promptly warns us that if we hesitate we are lost; that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but out of sight, out of mind.
About Leo Rosten
Leo Calvin Rostenwas an American writer and humorist in the fields of scriptwriting, storywriting, journalism, and Yiddish lexicography.
More quotes from Leo Rosten
Why did God give me two ears and one mouth? So that I will hear more and talk less.
Jewish American humorist
Courage is the capacity to confront what can be imagined.
Jewish American humorist
The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can’t help it.
Jewish American humorist
Words must surely be counted among the most powerful drugs man ever invented.
Jewish American humorist
Satire is focused bitterness.
Jewish American humorist
The writer wants to be understood much more than he wants to be respected or praised or even loved. And that perhaps, is what makes him different from others.
Jewish American humorist
If you are going to do something wrong at least enjoy it.
Jewish American humorist
Happiness comes only when we push our brains and hearts to the farthest reaches of which we are capable.
Jewish American humorist
Truth is stranger than fiction; fiction has to make sense.
Jewish American humorist
Any man who hates dogs and babies can’t be all bad.
Jewish American humorist
Some things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them.
Jewish American humorist
First-rate people hire first-rate people; second-rate people hire third-rate people.
Jewish American humorist
Extremists think “communication” means agreeing with them.
Jewish American humorist
I never cease being dumbfounded by the unbelievable things people believe.
Jewish American humorist
Humor is the affectionate communication of insight.
Jewish American humorist
I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to be expected only from the strong.
Jewish American humorist
We see things as we are, not as they are.
Jewish American humorist
Proverbs often contradict one another, as any reader soon discovers. The sagacity that advises us to look before we leap promptly warns us that if we hesitate we are lost; that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but out of sight, out of mind.
Jewish American humorist
A conservative is one who admires radicals centuries after they’re dead.
Jewish American humorist
An angel is a spiritual creature created by God without a body for the service of Christendom and the church.
Jewish American humorist
A writer writes not because he is educated but because he is driven by the need to communicate. Behind the need to communicate is the need to share. Behind the need to share is the need to be understood.
Jewish American humorist