COMPASSION

Affirmation of life is the spiritual act by which man ceases to live thoughtlessly and begins to devote himself to his life
with reverence in order to give it true value.
— Albert Schweitzer

6/08/2013

Mason Cooley (1927 – July 25, 2002) was an American literary academic and aphorist.



Every day begins with an act of courage and hope: getting out of bed. 


Lonely people keep up a ceaseless flow of commentary on themselves. 


Ideology has shaped the very sofa on which I sit.


Wisdom remembers. Happiness forgets.


In an aphorism, aptness counts for more than truth.


Scepticism is always a back road leading to some credo or other.


I am easy-going right up to the borders of my self-interest.


The laughter of the aphorism is sometimes triumphant, but seldom carefree.


Timidity keeps me safe and sad in a narrow room.


Writing an upbeat aphorism is a temptation, but decorum forbids.

Reality is the name we give to our disappointments.


When lying to someone, look him straight in the eye.


To be successful be ahead of your time, but only a little.

People may show jealousy, but hide their envy.


Don’t milk the cow too hard. She will kick you.


Wisdom cannot prevent a fall, but may cushion it.
 

Why do we never expect dull people to be rascals?


{City Aphorisms, Thirteenth Selection (1994)}



We make some changes. But mostly changes make us.
Mason Cooley

 
When a modest man praises himself, people listen.
Mason Cooley 


Beggars market their incapacity. 
Mason Cooley 


Every seeming equality conceals a hierarchy. 
- MasonCooley 

...ravaged face in the mirror hides the enchanting youth that is the real me. 
- Mason Cooley 


Fluency avoids hard thoughts. - Mason Cooley 


Which is the supplement? Fantasy or daily routine?   - Mason Cooley 


Lechery is secretive, but must finally reveal itself to at least one. - Mason Cooley 


...the opportunities for discourse and eliminates the need for an adversary. 
- Mason Cooley 






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