Author: Don Marquis

Ideas pull the trigger, but instinct loads the gun.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Arms Ideas Intelligence

Successful people are the ones who think up things for the rest of the world to keep busy at.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
People Success World

A pessimist is a person who has had to listen to too many optimists.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Characteristics

Middle age is the time when a man is always thinking in a week or two he will feel as good as ever.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Age Health

We pay for the mistakes of our ancestors, and it seems only fair that they should leave us the money to pay with.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Mistakes Money

Did you ever notice that when a politician does get an idea he usually gets it all wrong.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Government Ideas Intelligence Politicians

If you want to get rich from writing, write the sort of thing that’s read by persons who move their lips when they’re reading to themselves.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Communication Reading/Writing

When a man tells you that he got rich through hard work, ask him: 'Whose?'

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Money People Wealth Work

Bores bore each other too; but it never seems to teach them anything.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
People

Fishing is a delusion entirely surrounded by liars in old clothes.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Activities Beliefs Characteristics Clothing Lies Sports

Every cloud has its silver lining but it is sometimes a little difficult to get it to the mint.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Money Situations

Punctuality is one of the cardinal business virtues: always insist on it in your subordinates.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Characteristics Time

Happiness is the interval between periods of unhappiness.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Emotions Happiness Time

I would rather start a family than finish one.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Family

Honesty is a good thing, but it is not profitable to its possessor unless it is kept under control.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Characteristics Honesty

Some persons are likable in spite of their unswerving integrity.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Characteristics Honesty People

There is nothing so habit-forming as money.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Money

Ours is a world where people don't know what they want and are willing to go through hell to get it.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Beliefs People World

He worked like hell in the country so he could live in the city, where he worked like hell so he could live in the country.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
America Places Work

In order to influence a child, one must be careful not to be that child’s parent or grandparent.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
Characteristics Children Family

An optimist is a man who has never had much experience.

(1878 – 1937) humorist, journalist & author
People