Altruism and Cynicism

A cynic is one who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.

Oscar Wilde, in Altruism and Cynicism

A man can't be too careful in the choice of his enemies.

Oscar Wilde, in Altruism and Cynicism

I can resist everything except temptation.

Oscar Wilde, in Altruism and Cynicism and Vice and Virtue

The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.

Oscar Wilde, in Altruism and Cynicism

The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.

Oscar Wilde, in Altruism and Cynicism

Whenever people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong.

Oscar Wilde, in Altruism and Cynicism

If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

Earl Wilson, in Altruism and Cynicism and Life and Death

Cynics regard everybody as equally corrupt... Idealists regard everybody as equally corrupt, except themselves.

Robert Anton Wilson, in Altruism and Cynicism

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Winston Churchill, in Altruism and Cynicism

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

Robert J. Hanlon, in Altruism and Cynicism and Vice and Virtue

Bigot: One who is obstinately and zealously attached to an opinion that you do not entertain.

Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary, in Altruism and Cynicism

Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.

Samuel Butler, in Altruism and Cynicism

Getting caught is the mother of invention.

Robert Byrne, in Altruism and Cynicism

An honest politician is one who, when he is bought, will stay bought.

Simon Cameron, in Altruism and Cynicism and Law and Politics

There's a fine line between participation and mockery.

Scott Adams, in Altruism and Cynicism

It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them.

Alfred Adler, in Altruism and Cynicism

A rumor without a leg to stand on will get around some other way.

John Tudor, in Altruism and Cynicism

Few things are harder to put up with than a good example.

Mark Twain, in Altruism and Cynicism

Good breeding consists of concealing how much we think of ourselves and how little we think of the other person.

Mark Twain, in Altruism and Cynicism

I am prepared to meet anyone, but whether anyone is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.

Mark Twain, in Altruism and Cynicism