Altruism and Cynicism

A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company.

Gian Vincenzo Gravina, in Altruism and Cynicism

I don't want any "yes-men" around me. I want everybody to tell me the truth even if it costs them their jobs.

Samuel Goldwyn, in Altruism and Cynicism

In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.

Anne Frank, in Altruism and Cynicism

Have a strong mind and a soft heart.

Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book, in Altruism and Cynicism

Give more than take.

Anthony J. D'Angelo, The College Blue Book, in Altruism and Cynicism

A dozen press agents working overtime can do terrible things to the human spirit.

Cecil B. De Mille, in Altruism and Cynicism

Every age is fed on illusions, lest men should renounce life early and the human race come to an end.

Joseph Conrad, in Altruism and Cynicism

Everything is controlled by a small evil group to which, unfortunately, no one we know belongs.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism

Hypocrisy is the vaseline of social intercourse.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism

George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but he also admitted doing it. Now, do you know why his father didn't punish him? Because George still had the axe in his hand.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism

Familiarity breeds contempt.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism

Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

Unknown, (Chinese proverb), in Altruism and Cynicism

Cynics are made, not born.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism

Beat your own and others will fear you.

Unknown, (Russian proverb), in Altruism and Cynicism

Don't tell any big lies today. Small ones can be just as effective.

Unknown, in Altruism and Cynicism

We must believe in luck. For how else can we explain the success of those we don't like?

Jean Cocteau, in Altruism and Cynicism and Success and Failure

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

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

Winston Churchill, in Altruism and Cynicism

An excuse is the mark of a moral coward.

Joseph Cimino, 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