As much as we want to believe that things change as time marches on, a quick look at quotes, both recent and some not so much, tell us that many things remain unchanged. Below are 5 funny quotes about life:
Politics
One example of how things are relatively unchanged is attributed to the former United States president, Harry S. Truman. It is often said that during one of many dustups the President had with the republicans he told an aide:
“If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
Whether Truman actually said the line or created it remains controversial. However, other government officials still use it and continue to attribute the line to President Truman. In 2007, former Secretary of State, Donald Rumsfeld added the now famous Rumsfeld Corollary that says:
“And make sure it is a small one, just in case he turns on you also.”
Decades after Truman supposedly said these words, relationships in Washington remained strained, and even now it would not be surprising to hear President Obama say a similar sentiment. Discord in our capital continues unabated.
Women’s Equality
Say Marilyn Monroe and if people remember who she is they conjure up a picture of a beautiful blonde woman with her skirt billowing as she stands atop a subway grate. With her reputation as a sex symbol who needed a man in her life it is almost impossible to believe that she said:
“Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.”
This gentle put-down of men is a surprise coming from Monroe, and some actually attribute it to first being said by Dr. Timothy Leary, a physician who advocated the use of drugs, especially hallucinogens. Even so, it appears that the beginning of the feminist movement was kindled by the quiet convictions of women like Monroe. It was just a few years later that Betty Frieden came out with her book “Fear of Flying.”
Money Management
Oscar Wilde (1854 to 1900) was a prolific writer, poet and wit. In the late 19th century the country was having some economic problems and the ranks of the unemployed swelled. Money was short but Oscar had some wonderful advice for borrowers:
“Always borrow money from a pessimist, they do not expect to be paid back.”
Our Aspirations
America is neurotic, why some measure success as a loving relationship, a job that we like or being in a position to help others, a truly American phenomenon is well described by Pulitzer Prize winning poet Robert Frost. Frost once remarked:
“By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day.”
However, today many skip the faithfully working part and seek to open their small businesses were they start out as the CEO. While many applaud this type of spirit, it first appears that Frost was mocking the entrepreneurial spirit. But was he? Other of his work suggest he wasn’t. For example, one of his other oft recited poems is called Two Roads Diverge, here he encourages people to demonstrate their individuality and take risks.
By looking back on quotations, it becomes evident that problems from decades, even centuries before us remain with us today.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to read these hilarious quotes from Quoto.
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