Soothsaying Quotes

“Even if it were possible to cast my horoscope in this one life, and to make an accurate prediction about my future, it would not be possible to 'show' it to me because as soon as I saw it my future would change by definition. This is why Werner Heisenberg's adaptation of the Hays Office—the so-called principle of uncertainty whereby the act of measuring something has the effect of altering the measurement—is of such importance. In my case the difference is often made by publicity. For example, and to boast of one of my few virtues, I used to derive pleasure from giving my time to bright young people who showed promise as writers and who asked for my help. Then some profile of me quoted someone who disclosed that I liked to do this. Then it became something widely said of me, whereupon it became almost impossible for me to go on doing it, because I started to receive far more requests than I could respond to, let alone satisfy. Perception modifies reality: when I abandoned the smoking habit of more than three decades I was given a supposedly helpful pill called Wellbutrin. But as soon as I discovered that this was the brand name for an antidepressant, I tossed the bottle away. There may be successful methods for overcoming the blues but for me they cannot include a capsule that says: 'Fool yourself into happiness, while pretending not to do so.' I should actually want my mind to be strong enough to circumvent such a trick.”
― Christopher Hitchens, Hitch 22: A Memoir

“Nix:
I’m actively involved in steering the lives of thousands of beings. Which directly affects hundreds of
thousands, which indirectly affects millions, with a ripple effect reaching billions. If someone said, ‘It
ain’t easy being Nïxie,’ I wouldn’t cal him a liar.”
― Kresley Cole, Dreams of a Dark Warrior

“It is but sorrow to be wise when wisdom profits not.”
― Sophocles, The Oedipus Tyrannus

“One sincere truth from a stranger is more likely to move your life forward...than anything your friends and family may tell you to spare your feelings.”
― Anthon St. Maarten