Mason Cooley (1927 – 2002)
American literary academic and aphorist.
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When lying to someone, look him straight in the eye.
Scepticism is always a back road leading to some credo or other.
Why do we never expect dull people to be rascals?
Writing an upbeat aphorism is a temptation, but decorum forbids.
Don’t milk the cow too hard. She will kick you.
In an aphorism, aptness counts for more than truth.
Reality is the name we give to our disappointments.
Wisdom cannot prevent a fall, but may cushion it.
Timidity keeps me safe and sad in a narrow room.
Every day begins with an act of courage and hope: getting out of bed.
People may show jealousy, but hide their envy.
Ideology has shaped the very sofa on which I sit.
The laughter of the aphorism is sometimes triumphant, but seldom carefree.
To be successful be ahead of your time, but only a little.
Lonely people keep up a ceaseless flow of commentary on themselves.
Wisdom remembers. Happiness forgets.
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