This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
There was an air of indifference about them, a calm produced by the gratification of every passion; and through their manners were suave, one could sense beneath them that special brutality which comes from the habit of breaking down half-hearted resistances that keep one fit and tickle one?s vanity?the handling of blooded horses, the pursuit of loose women.
Day | Fate | God | Hate | Life | Life | Nothing | Fate | God |
H. L. Mencken, fully Henry Louis Mencken
I never lecture, not because I am shy or a bad speaker, but simply because I detest the sort of people who go to lectures and don't want to meet them.
Controversy | Love | People |
When all was over at the cemetery Charles returned to the house. There was no one downstairs. He went up into the bedroom and saw her dress hanging up at the foot of the bed. Then, leaning against the secretaire, he remained there till it was dark, lost in sorrowful meditation. After all, she had loved him.
H. L. Mencken, fully Henry Louis Mencken
Before a man speaks it is always safe to assume that he is a fool. After he speaks, it is seldom necessary to assume it.
H. L. Mencken, fully Henry Louis Mencken
A Sunday school is a prison in which children do penance for the evil conscience of their parents.
H. L. Mencken, fully Henry Louis Mencken
Immorality: the morality of those who are having a better time.
There is no truth except in its relation, that is to say, the fashion in which we perceive the objects.
Why was life so unsatisfactory? Why did everything she leaned on crumble instantly to dust?
H. L. Mencken, fully Henry Louis Mencken
In any combat between a rogue and a fool the sympathy of mankind is always with the rogue.
Life | Life | Television |
You have to fit in sometimes to make people comfortable to listen to you.
The eye of the master fattens the horse.
Experience | Life | Life | Principles | Psychology | Time | Youth | Youth |
One good word quenches more heat than a bucket of water.
Thinking | Wickedness |
The gardener's dog does not eat lettuce and will not let others eat it.
Age |
The fox advised the others to cut off their tails, because he had left his own in the trap.
Much smoke, and little roast.
Life | Life | Television | World | Understand |