How glorious, then, is the prospect, the reverse of all the past, which is now opening upon us, and upon the world. Government, we may now expect to see, not only in theory and in books but in actual practice, calculated for the general good, and taking no more upon it than the general good requires, leaving all men the enjoyment of as many of their natural rights as possible, and no more interfering with matters of religion, with men’s notions concerning God, and a future state, than with philosophy, or medicine.
—J. B. Priestley
One of the delights known to age, and beyond the grasp of youth, is that of Not Going.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Age, Aging
The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Weather, Seasons, Snow
Our trouble is that we drink too much tea. I see in this the slow revenge of the Orient, which has diverted the Yellow River down our throats.
—J. B. Priestley
Many a man is praised for his reserve and so-called shyness when he is simply too proud to risk making a fool of himself.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Pride, Praise
No people were ever better than their laws, though many have been worse.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Law
A good holiday is one spent among people whose notions of time are vaguer than yours.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Travel, Time Management, Time
We pay when old for the excesses of youth.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Time, Youth, Age
Living in an age of advertisement, we are perpetually disillusioned. The perfect life is spread before us every day, but it changes and withers at a touch.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Advertising
We plan, we toil, we suffer – in the hope of what? A camel-load of idol’s eyes? The title deeds of Radio City? The empire of Asia? A trip to the moon? No, no, no, no. Simply to wake just in time to smell coffee and bacon and eggs.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Eating
It is no use speaking in soft, gentle tones if everyone else is shouting.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Communication
Already we viewers, when not viewing, have begun to whisper to one another that the more we elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Television, Communication
To show a child what once delighted you, to find the child’s delight added to your own—this is happiness.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Parenting, Parents
I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Fresh, Morning, Feelings, The Present
There was no respect for youth when I was young, and now that I am old, there is no respect for age — I missed it coming and going.
—J. B. Priestley
Topics: Respect, Youth
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
- Graham Greene British Novelist
- Iris Murdoch British Novelist, Philosopher
- Dorothy L. Sayers English Novelist, Playwright
- P. G. Wodehouse English Novelist
- Douglas Adams British Author
- Ben Elton English Comedian, Writer
- Dodie Smith British Novelist
- Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton British Author, Politician
- William Congreve English Dramatist
- Colley Cibber English Playwright
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