We live in a world where bulk is equated with quality.
ROBERTSON DAVIES, A Voice from the Attic
Though thousands of people indulge themselves in it regularly, and even develop a taste for it, there is no doubt in my mind (and that of scientists whom I employ to prove it) that Work is a dangerous and destructive drug, and should be called by its right name, which is Fatigue.
ROBERTSON DAVIES, The Diary of Samuel Marchbanks
I do not really like vacations. I much prefer an occasional day off when I do not feel like working. When I am confronted with a whole week in which I have nothing to do but enjoy myself I do not know where to begin. To me, enjoyment comes fleetingly and unheralded; I cannot determinedly enjoy myself for a whole week at a time.
ROBERTSON DAVIES, attributed, Quote Unquote
I wish people weren't so set on being themselves, when that means being a bastard.
ROBERTSON DAVIES, The Rebel Angels
We mistrust anything that too strongly challenges our ideal of mediocrity.
ROBERTSON DAVIES, The Noble Greeks
Extraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it. The ones who can't stand it go under, perhaps they die, and this again is a very cruel thing about life. But it's something that we're trying to hide from ourselves nowadays, but which is inevitable. I was just reading in this latest life of Bertrand Russell that he said something which I think many people find chilling. He said: "I never help weak people." Life doesn't help weak people either. It disposes of them.
ROBERTSON DAVIES, interview with Peter Gzowski, "Gzowski on FM", Conversations with Robertson Davies
The quality of what is said inevitably influences the way in which it is said, however inexperienced the writer.
