CONTORTED PASTA

I can’t bear people who always take for granted that one’s main object is to save up one’s health and strength, eyesight and what not, for when one is sixty. How on earth can they tell whether one is going to reach thirty? I think it’s better to wear a thing while it’s good and new, patching the odd corners as they wear out, instead of putting it away carefully year after year till at last the moths get in, and you find it’s no good when at last you think you will wear it.

– E.A. Wilson, on ending his treatment at Davos, 1899
from Edward Wilson of the Antarctic, pg 57

Every bit of truth that comes into a man’s heart burns in him and forces its way out, either in his actions or in his words. Truth is like a lighted lamp in that it cannot be hidden away in the darkness because it carries its own light.

– E.A. Wilson
from Edward Wilson of the Antarctic, pg 41

Look at life carelessly. The only things worth being disappointed in or worrying about are in ourselves, not in externals. Take life as it comes and do what lies straight in front of you.

– E.A. Wilson, from Edward Wilson of the Antarctic, pg 36

If one works continually one wants more holidays; if one works moderately with other interests thrown in one doesn't find holidays necessary. I am as fresh for my work every time now as I was months ago.

– pg 43

Practise neatness. It is a good thing, and all one with general restraint and patience and godliness. To be neat you must never be impatient, and to be really tidy you must never be in a needless hurry or bustle.

– pg 27