It is easy enough to praise men for the courage of their convictions. I wish I could teach the sad young of this mealy generation the courage of their confusions.

Next quotes

• John Ciardi:

  A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be pla

• John Ciardi:

  Gentility is what is left over from rich ancestors after the money is gone.

• John Ciardi:

  Every parent is at some time the father of the unreturned prodigal, with nothing to do but keep his

• John Ciardi:

  The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it.

• John Ciardi:

  The Constitution gives every American the inalienable right to make a damn fool of himself.

• John Ciardi:

  There is nothing wrong with sobriety in moderation.

• Fred Hoyle:

  Space isn't remote at all. It's only an hour's drive away if your car could go straight upwards.

• Fred Hoyle:

  There is a coherent plan in the universe, though I don't know what it's a plan for.

• Fred Hoyle:

  I don't see the logic of rejecting data just because they seem incredible.

• Fred Hoyle:

  Once I had learnt my twelve times table (at the age of three) it was downhill all the way.