Mason Cooley

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

Quotes

 * Every day begins with an act of courage and hope: getting out of bed.
 * City Aphorisms (1984)


 * Lonely people keep up a ceaseless flow of commentary on themselves.
 * City Aphorisms (1984)


 * Ideology has shaped the very sofa on which I sit.
 * City Aphorisms, Third Selection (1986)


 * Wisdom remembers. Happiness forgets.
 * City Aphorisms, Third Selection (1986)


 * In an aphorism, aptness counts for more than truth.
 * City Aphorisms, Fourth Selection (1987)


 * Scepticism is always a back road leading to some credo or other.
 * City Aphorisms, Fourth Selection (1987)


 * I am easy-going right up to the borders of my self-interest.
 * City Aphorisms, Sixth Selection (1989)


 * The laughter of the aphorism is sometimes triumphant, but seldom carefree.
 * City Aphorisms, Sixth Selection (1989)


 * Timidity keeps me safe and sad in a narrow room.
 * City Aphorisms, Eighth Selection (1991)


 * Writing an upbeat aphorism is a temptation, but decorum forbids.
 * City Aphorisms, Eighth Selection (1991)


 * Reality is the name we give to our disappointments.
 * City Aphorisms, Ninth Selection (1992)


 * When lying to someone, look him straight in the eye.
 * City Aphorisms, Ninth Selection (1992)


 * To be successful be ahead of your time, but only a little.
 * City Aphorisms, Tenth Selection (1992)


 * People may show jealousy, but hide their envy.
 * City Aphorisms, Eleventh Selection (1993)


 * Don’t milk the cow too hard. She will kick you.
 * City Aphorisms, Eleventh Selection (1993)


 * Wisdom cannot prevent a fall, but may cushion it.
 * City Aphorisms, Twelfth Selection (1993)


 * Why do we never expect dull people to be rascals?
 * City Aphorisms, Thirteenth Selection (1994)

"Forgiveness is like Faith. you have to keep reviving it."