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Famous Quotations

This category contains questions and answers about some of the greatest quotes in history including the quotes themselves, their meanings, who said them, and when and where they were said.

7,102 Questions

What was Jim Bowie's famous quote?

Oh, dude, Jim Bowie's famous quote was, like, "I come to fight, not to play." So, yeah, he was all about getting down to business and not messing around. Like, no time for games, just ready to throw down.

Where did the expression I'll be John Brown originate?

The expression "I'll be John Brown" is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. It is thought to refer to the abolitionist John Brown, who was known for his militant efforts to end slavery. The phrase is used to express surprise, emphasis, or determination, much like saying "I'll be darned" or "I'll be damned."

What was Samuel Prescotts famous quote?

Samuel Prescott's famous quote is "Stand your ground; don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here." This quote was reportedly spoken during the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, as he urged American colonists to stand up against British troops. It is a rallying cry for resistance and defiance against oppression.

Who said there is no limit to what you can achieve as long as you don't care who gets the credit?

This quote is commonly attributed to Ronald Reagan, although there is some debate over its origins. The sentiment behind the quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on the collective success of a team or group rather than individual recognition. By prioritizing the achievement of goals over personal accolades, individuals can work together more effectively and achieve greater success.

What is the meaning of doesn't exist in a vacuum?

Well, isn't that just a happy little phrase! "Doesn't exist in a vacuum" means that nothing exists completely on its own without being influenced by other things around it. Just like how every tree in a forest is connected to the soil, the air, and the other trees, everything in life is connected and affected by its surroundings. It's a gentle reminder that we are all part of a bigger picture, creating a beautiful tapestry of existence together.

Love ceases to be a pleasure when it ceases to be a secret means?

The phrase "Love ceases to be a pleasure when it ceases to be a secret" suggests that the thrill or excitement of love diminishes when it becomes common knowledge or loses its element of mystery. This idea may stem from the belief that secrecy can add an element of excitement and intensity to romantic relationships. However, it's important to note that healthy relationships are built on trust, communication, and mutual respect, and not solely on secrecy or mystery.

What does the quote tell the truth shame the devil mean?

Well, honey, that quote is basically saying that telling the truth is more important than trying to hide things or deceive others. It's all about being honest and not letting the devil (or any lies or deceit) get the best of you. So, spill the tea and shame that devil, darling!

Who said 'If not now then when'?

The quote "If not us, who? If not now, when?" is attributed to Hillel the Elder, a Jewish religious leader and scholar who lived in Jerusalem during the 1st century BCE. This quote is often used to emphasize the importance of taking action and not procrastinating when faced with important decisions or opportunities. It conveys a sense of urgency and personal responsibility in making a positive impact on the world.

Who said The Silence is deafening?

Well, honey, "The Silence is deafening" is a common phrase that has been used by various people over the years. It's like asking who said "the sky is blue" - it's just one of those things that people say. So, to answer your question, there isn't one specific person who said it first.

What does this quote mean Upon the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who when on the dawn of victory paused to rest and there resting died?

This quote is highlighting the dangers of hesitating or being indecisive, especially at critical moments. It suggests that many individuals have failed to achieve success because they hesitated when they were on the brink of victory. The imagery of "bleached bones" emphasizes the finality and permanence of their failure, as they ultimately perished without reaching their goals. Overall, the quote serves as a cautionary reminder to avoid complacency and to keep pushing forward towards success without pausing for too long.

Where does the phrase That's not my bailey wick come from?

Well, darling, the phrase "That's not my bailiwick" comes from the Middle Ages, where a bailiff was in charge of a specific area or jurisdiction. So when someone says "That's not my bailiwick," they're basically saying that particular task or responsibility is not within their area of expertise or control. It's just a fancy way of saying "Not my problem, honey."

What does it mean to have a heart full of rain?

Having a heart full of rain means feeling heavy emotions like sadness or loneliness. Just like a rainy day can bring a sense of gloom, having a heart full of rain can make you feel overwhelmed. Remember, just as the rain eventually clears and makes way for sunshine, your heavy emotions will also pass, leaving room for brighter days ahead.

Who said 'Desperate times call for desperate measures'?

It may be so old a saying that you won't be able to find an original attribution. To go a bit older than 1964: according to the Oxford dictionary in quotations, on the 6th November 1605, Guy Fawkes is reputed to have said "The desperate disease requires a dangerous remedy"... which is very similar to "extremis malis extrema remedia". But it does not credit this as the original source.

Who said 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer'?

Some believe it was Sun-Tzu, a Chinese general and military strategist (c. 500 BC). However his quotation was different. He said, "Know your enemy and know yourself and you will always be victorious." And while "Michael Corleone" did say that in the movie The Godfather Part II, the actual origin of the quote was from Machiavelli in "The Prince" which is the definitive primer on how to be a dictator.

The first part of the quotation means that you always want to keep your friends close to you because they are people you can trust and rely on.

The second part of this means that your enemies are always going to be out there seeking to harm you so you want to keep an extremely close eye on them, in order to make sure that they are not going to hurt you.

Overall, it means that you should always know what your enemies are doing. As a war tactic, know what the enemy is doing so you don't get ambushed.

Who said Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas?

The quote "Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas" is attributed to Marie Curie, a renowned physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. This quote reflects Curie's emphasis on focusing on intellectual pursuits and scientific inquiry rather than interpersonal relationships. Curie's work and dedication to scientific discovery have left a lasting impact on the fields of physics and chemistry.

Who said biology is destiny?

The phrase "biology is destiny" is often attributed to Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Freud believed that our biological drives and instincts, such as aggression and sexuality, heavily influence our behavior and personality. This concept suggests that our genetic makeup and physiological processes play a significant role in shaping who we are and how we interact with the world.

What is the origin of the phrase Oh Arturo Prince of Irony?

Ah, the phrase "Oh Arturo, Prince of Irony" is like a happy little tree in the vast forest of language. It comes from the book "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, where Arturo represents a character who embodies irony and complexity. Just like in painting, language can be full of layers and depth, allowing us to create beautiful and meaningful expressions.

Who said showing up is half the battle?

The phrase "showing up is half the battle" is often attributed to Woody Allen, an American filmmaker, writer, actor, and comedian. The quote highlights the importance of taking the initiative and being present as a significant step towards success. By showing up and being actively engaged, one is already halfway towards achieving their goals.

What is the sound of one hand clapping?

"What is the sound of one hand clapping?" is a traditional zen koan -- a question posed by a Zen master to a student.

It is meant to be pondered from within the routine of daily life until the answer opens the true heart of the question. All koans must be answered from within the realm of one's own personal experience, and thus be encountered in the journey of living rather than in the rationalizations of logical thought.

Accordingly, each koan has many answers, answers that will vary both in words and in the stirring of one's mind and emotions.

Even the wisest Zen teacher cannot tell you your own answer. You must find it for yourself, and not in your mind, and not in the comfort of a rational response. Once experienced, the answer is often a life changing experience, and needs no confirmation from anyone else.

Here are responses to the question from a variety of WikiAnswer users:

  • What is the sound of one hand clapping? To know, you must experience those aspects of your own life that create this very soundless sound (emotion) within your own being. People who have truly lived with a koan for an extended period of time come to experience the answer. In my own travels down this path with this particular question, there eventually came to be a certain opening of awareness, and a manifestation of the heart of compassion became tangible within. In my experience, the sound of one hand clapping is the emotion of loneliness deeply felt in an increasingly self centered pursuit of enlightenment Experiencing this "answer" turned me away from relative isolation and the self-centered desire to "know," and towards the world and the practice of metta.
  • The simpler answer- It depends on what the hand is clapping against! The yin and yang of it. The Gestalt. The figure and the ground. The container and the contents.
  • What is the sound of one hand clapping in your own life?
  • The sound of one hand clapping is silence. The silence refers to the essence of being which is nothingness.
  • What is the sound of one hand clapping? Who are you when your thinking is silenced? .
  • Our true nature is stillness. That stillness is the same everywhere in everything. But like he up there... concepts won't teach you anything.
  • The sound of one hand clapping is a tiny sound that can be barley heard by humans.
  • the hand is the human heart and the clapping is emotions the other hand represents the one that makes us whole thus the clapping of both hands is the power of two people's emotions and the hands touching each other is the connection between the two people
  • The sound of one hand clapping is a conversation with someone that never connects with them so you try again and again before realizing you are only talking to yourself - they don't get it. If you never realize that, you are just insane by definition and you will continue to be the one hand that connects with nothingness.
  • Using a sound recording device, clap with one hand. Play back the result

What are some important quotes from Celia in the house of the scorpion?

Well, honey, Celia may not have had a ton of lines in "The House of the Scorpion," but one memorable quote is when she tells Matt, "You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought." Another gem is when she advises Matt, "You must always be yourself, no matter what the price. It is the highest form of morality." So there you have it, Celia may have been a woman of few words, but when she spoke, she dropped some truth bombs.

What does the saying beware of Greeks bearing gifts?

The saying "beware of Greeks bearing gifts" originates from the story of the Trojan War in Greek mythology. It refers to the Trojan Horse, a gift from the Greeks that ultimately led to the downfall of Troy. The phrase warns against accepting seemingly generous offers that may have hidden malicious intent or consequences. It serves as a cautionary reminder to be vigilant and skeptical of gifts or gestures that may not be as they seem.

What is susanna Dickinson famous quote?

Susanna Dickinson, a survivor of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, is known for her quote, "We saw them in the Alamo - a hundred to one." This quote refers to the overwhelming odds faced by the defenders of the Alamo against the Mexican forces led by General Santa Anna. Dickinson's account of the battle provided valuable insight into the events that transpired during the Texas Revolution.

Meaning of sic vos non vobis?

Oh honey, "sic vos non vobis" is Latin for "so you not for yourselves." It's a phrase used to express frustration when someone is working hard but not reaping the benefits. It's like doing all the heavy lifting and someone else gets all the credit. So basically, it's a fancy way of saying, "I did all the work, but where's my reward?"

Who first said never underestimate the stupidity of the American electorate?

Well, honey, that quote is often attributed to political commentator H.L. Mencken. But let's be real, people have been underestimating the stupidity of the electorate since the dawn of democracy. So, take it with a grain of salt and a shot of tequila.