Quotes of the day from previous years:

2003
The law will never make men free; it is men who have got to make the law free. ~ Henry David Thoreau
  • selected by Nanobug
2004
In all people I see myself, none more and not one a barley-corn less, and the good or bad I say of myself I say of them. ~ Walt Whitman in Leaves of Grass
  • selected by Kalki
2005
All parts should go together without forcing. You must remember that the parts you are reassembling were disassembled by you. Therefore, if you can't get them together again, there must be a reason. By all means, do not use a hammer. ~ IBM maintenance manual, 1925
  • proposed by MosheZadka in honor of ENIAC, the world's first digital computer, being reactivated on 29 July 1947, after a memory upgrade that took the better part of a year
2006
No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country. ~ Alexis de Tocqueville (born 29 July 1805)
  • proposed by Kalki
2007
God does not die on the day when we cease to believe in a personal deity, but we die on the day when our lives cease to be illumined by the steady radiance, renewed daily, of a wonder, the source of which is beyond all reason. ~ Dag Hammarskjöld (date of birth)
  • proposed by Kalki
2008
The Congress hereby declares that it is the policy of the United States that activities in space should be devoted to peaceful purposes for the benefit of all mankind. ~ "National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958" creating NASA (signed by President Dwight Eisenhower on the 29th of July 1958; 50th anniversary of NASA in 2008)
  • proposed by Kalki
2009
For all that has been —
Thanks.
For all that shall be —
Yes.
~ Dag Hammarskjöld ~
  • proposed by Kalki
2010

Now I understand what you tried to say to me
How you suffered for your sanity
How you tried to set them free —
They would not listen
They did not know how,
Perhaps they'll listen now.

~ Don McLean ~
in
"Vincent (Starry Starry Night|)"
(date Vincent Van Gogh died of a gunshot wound to the chest.)

  • proposed by Kalki
2011
Destiny is something not be to desired and not to be avoided. A mystery not contrary to reason, for it implies that the world, and the course of human history, have meaning. ~ Dag Hammarskjöld
  • proposed by Kalki
2012
The isness of things is well worth studying; but it is their whyness that makes life worth living.
~ William Beebe ~
  • proposed by Kalki
2013
A task becomes a duty from the moment you suspect it to be an essential part of that integrity which alone entitles a man to assume responsibility.
~ Dag Hammarskjöld ~
  • proposed by Kalki
2014
Now, the redemption which we as yet await (continued Imlac), will be that of Kalki, who will come as a Silver Stallion: all evils and every sort of folly will perish at the coming of this Kalki: true righteousness will be restored, and the minds of men will be made as clear as crystal.
~ James Branch Cabell ~
  • proposed by Kalki
2015
Is it not a pity, Guivric, that this Kalki will not come in our day, and that we shall never behold his complete glory? I cry a lament for that Kalki who will someday bring back to their appointed places high faith and very ardent loves and hatreds; and who will see to it that human passions are in never so poor a way to find expressions in adequate speech and action. Ohé, I cry a loud lament for Kalki! The little silver effigies which his postulants fashion and adore are well enough: but Kalki is a horse of another color.
~ James Branch Cabell ~
  • proposed by Kalki
2016
Whether or not it was a coincidence, Jurgen met precisely the vampire of whom he had inveigled his father into thinking. She was the most seductively beautiful creature that it would be possible for Jurgen's father or any other man to imagine: and her clothes were orange-colored, for a reason sufficiently well known in Hell, and were embroidered everywhere with green fig–leaves.
"A good morning to you, madame," says Jurgen, "and whither are you going?"
"Why, to no place at all, good youth. For this is my vacation, granted yearly by the Law of Kalki —"
"And who is Kalki, madame?"
"Nobody as yet: but he will come as a stallion. Meanwhile his Law precedes him, so that I am spending my vacation peacefully in Hell, with none of my ordinary annoyances to bother me."
"And what, madame, can they be?"
"Why, you must understand that it is little rest a vampire gets on earth, with so many fine young fellows like yourself going about everywhere eager to be destroyed."
~ James Branch Cabell ~
  • proposed by Kalki
2017
I have many names, and none of them matter. … Names are not important ... To speak is to name names, but to speak is not important. A thing happens once that has never happened before. Seeing it, a man looks upon reality. He cannot tell others what he has seen. Others wish to know, however, so they question him saying, "What is it like, this thing you have seen?" So he tries to tell them. Perhaps he has seen the very first fire in the world. He tells them, "It is red, like a poppy, but through it dance other colors. It has no form, like water, flowing everywhere. It is warm, like the sun of summer, only warmer. It exists for a time upon a piece of wood, and then the wood is gone, as though it were eaten, leaving behind that which is black and can be sifted like sand. When the wood is gone, it too is gone." Therefore, the hearers must think reality is like a poppy, like water, like the sun, like that which eats and excretes. They think it is like to anything that they are told it is like by the man who has known it. But they have not looked upon fire. They cannot really know it. They can only know of it. But fire comes again into the world, many times.
~ Roger Zelazny ~
in
~ Lord of Light ~
  • proposed by Kalki


2018
䷳
KEEPING STILL.
Keeping his back still
So that he no longer feels his body.
He goes into his courtyard
And does not see his people.
No blame.
True quiet means keeping still when the time has come to keep still, and going forward when the time has come to go forward. In this way rest and movement are in agreement with the demands of the time, and thus there is light in life
~ I Ching ~
  • proposed by Kalki
2019
䷙
The superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity
And many deeds of the past,
In order to strengthen his character thereby.
~ I Ching ~
  • proposed by Kalki
2020 
Rank or add further suggestions…

Ranking system:

4 : Excellent - should definitely be used.
3 : Very Good - strong desire to see it used.
2 : Good - some desire to see it used.
1 : Acceptable - but with no particular desire to see it used.
0 : Not acceptable - not appropriate for use as a quote of the day.

Suggestions

Your cravings as a human animal do not become a prayer just because it is God whom you ask to attend to them. ~ Dag Hammarskjöld (date of birth)

  • 3 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC) with a VERY strong lean toward 4.
  • 3 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 2 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

what man calls civilization always results in deserts ~ Don Marquis (date of birth)

  • 3 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC)
  • 2 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 2 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Pity the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ~ Don Marquis (date of birth)

  • 3 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC) with a lean toward 4.
  • 3 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 1 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 1 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you. ~ Don Marquis (date of birth)

  • 3 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC) with a strong lean toward 4.
  • 3 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 2 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle. ~ Alexis de Tocqueville (date of birth)

  • 2 Kalki (talk · contributions) 12:26, 26 July 2010 (UTC) * 3 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC) might even reduce my ranking even further, because there are no longer all that many men of principle in either party in our times. ~ Kalki (talk · contributions) 12:43, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
  • 4 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 1 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 3 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

The man who asks of freedom anything other than itself is born to be a slave. ~ Alexis de Tocqueville (date of birth)

  • 3 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC) with a lean toward 4.
  • 3 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 1 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Those that despise people will never get the best out of others and themselves. ~ Alexis de Tocqueville (date of birth)

  • 3 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC) with a strong lean toward 4.
  • 3 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 1 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Fascism is definitely and absolutely opposed to the doctrines of liberalism, both in the political and economic sphere. ~ Benito Mussolini (date of birth)

  • 2 Kalki (talk · contributions) 12:26, 26 July 2010 (UTC) * 3 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC)
  • 2 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 1 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 1 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Fascism is a religion. The twentieth century will be known in history as the century of Fascism. ~ Benito Mussolini (date of birth)

  • 2 Kalki 22:36, 28 July 2005 (UTC)
  • 2 InvisibleSun 02:32, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
  • 1 Zarbon 14:48, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 1 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Let us have a dagger between our teeth, a bomb in our hands, and an infinite scorn in our hearts. ~ Benito Mussolini (born July 29)

  • 3 because courage and preparedness are key to victory. Zarbon 16:51, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 1 Kalki 15:04, 24 April 2008 (UTC) with a strong lean toward 0.
  • 1 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

For my part I prefer fifty thousand rifles to five million votes. ~ Benito Mussolini (born July 29)

  • 4 because having power is important, moreso than having every single person agree with it. Zarbon 16:51, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 Kalki 15:04, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

It's good to trust others, but not to do so is much better. ~ Benito Mussolini (born July 29)

  • 3 because trust is good, but it is always good to be prepared. Zarbon 16:51, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 Kalki 15:04, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

The effective execution of a Plan is what counts and not mere planning on paper; it is not what we put on our plate or even what we eat that provides nourishment and growth, but what we digest. ~ J. R. D. Tata

  • 2 Zarbon 20:10, 21 May 2008 (UTC)
  • 3 Kalki 01:39, 29 July 2008 (UTC) with a lean toward 4.
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

To be good is to be forgotten. I'm going to be so bad I'll always be remembered.~ Theda Bara

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 18:06, 9 April 2010 (UTC) with a lean toward 4.
  • 1 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

The reason good women like me and flock to my pictures is that there is a little bit of vampire instinct in every woman. ~ Theda Bara

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 18:06, 9 April 2010 (UTC)
  • 1 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

The beauty and genius of a work of art may be reconceived, though its first material expression be destroyed; a vanished harmony may yet again inspire the composer; but when the last individual of a race of living beings breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again. ~ William Beebe (born 29 July 1877)

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 07:42, 6 September 2010 (UTC) with a very strong lean toward 4.
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)
  • 3 bystander (talk) 16:20, 26 July 2015 (UTC) with a lean to 4

You try to save a drowning man without prior authorization. ~ Dag Hammarskjöld

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 14:36, 7 September 2010 (UTC)
  • 3 N6n 16:53, 7 September 2010 (UTC) -- It would be useful if some context information is provided in parenthesis. 4 N6n 14:52, 7 September 2010 (UTC)
  • 1 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC) Needs context.

Is life so wretched? Isn't it rather your hands which are too small — your vision which is muddled? You are the one who must grow up. ~ Dag Hammarskjöld

  • 3 N6n 02:37, 8 September 2010 (UTC)
  • 2 Kalki (talk · contributions) 08:16, 11 May 2011 (UTC) with a lean toward 3.
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; but if you really make them think, they'll hate you. ~ Don Marquis

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 08:15, 11 May 2011 (UTC) with a VERY STRONG lean toward 4.
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Those who invoke history will certainly be heard by history. And they will have to accept its verdict. ~ Dag Hammarskjöld

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 21:44, 22 July 2011 (UTC)
  • 3 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

It is when we all play safe that we create a world of utmost insecurity. It is when we all play safe that fatality will lead us to our doom. It is in the "dark shade of courage" alone that the spell can be broken. ~ Dag Hammarskjöld

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 23:04, 22 July 2011 (UTC) but still with a VERY strong lean toward 4. 4 Kalki (talk · contributions) 21:44, 22 July 2011 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

A scientist can be tactful and PC with his mouth, but not his ears or eyes and certainly not his mind. Truth must reign there above all. For your first allegiance is either to Truth or to Ignorance. Worry about offending, and you are choosing Ignorance. ~ Patri Friedman

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 15:31, 20 November 2011 (UTC) with a strong lean toward 4.
  • 3 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

Most apparent conspiracies result from consistent local self-interest with no need for global coordination.~ Patri Friedman

  • 3 Kalki (talk · contributions) 15:31, 20 November 2011 (UTC)
  • 2 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

I think physicists are the Peter Pans of the human race. They never grow up, and they keep their curiosity. ~ Isidor Isaac Rabi

  • 3 ♞☮♌Kalki·†·⚓⊙☳☶⚡ 13:51, 22 February 2012 (UTC)
  • 3 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)

What more do you want, mermaids? ~ Isidor Isaac Rabi

  • 3 ♞☮♌Kalki·†·⚓⊙☳☶⚡ 13:51, 22 February 2012 (UTC)
  • 1 //Gbern3 (talk) 14:16, 14 July 2013 (UTC)
I think science is best taught as a puzzle to be solved.
~ Steven Novella ~
  • 2 ♞☤☮♌Kalki·†·⚓⊙☳☶⚡ 11:24, 4 June 2014 (UTC)
Ignorance is a low-energy state. It takes constant vigilance and work to climb out of it.
~ Steven Novella ~
  • 2 ♞☤☮♌Kalki·†·⚓⊙☳☶⚡ 11:24, 4 June 2014 (UTC)
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