“It’s not what you are; it’s what you don’t become that hurts."

Oscar Levant, quoted as "Thought du jour" in Globe & Mail August 30, 2001

“I can honestly say my respect for you has never been higher.”

Dogbert (to Dilbert, scornfully) in Dilbert in Ottawa Sun July 19, 1996

“The general rule which we have now pretty well established among them is that in all experiences which can make them happier or better only the physical facts are ‘Real’ while the spiritual elements are ‘subjective’; in all experiences which can discourage or corrupt them the spiritual elements are the main reality and to ignore them is to be an escapist.”

C.S. Lewis The Screwtape Letters.

In my latest National Post column I say we should have seen chaos coming in Libya when we moved to oust Gadhafi.

“He who cannot draw on three thousand years is living from hand to mouth.”

Goethe, quoted on the flyleaf of Jostein Gaarder, Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy.

“Start every day with a smile and get it over with.”

W.C. Fields, quoted in the features on a DVD of six classic W.C. Fields shorts I acquired years ago

“Of what use is a dream if not a blueprint for courageous action?”

Bruce Wayne in Batman (the 1966 movie)