True Specific Gravity

Famous quotes containing the words specific gravity, true, specific and/or gravity:

    The permanence of all books is fixed by no effort friendly or hostile, but by their own specific gravity, or the intrinsic importance of their contents to the constant mind of man.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.
    Robert Benchley (1889–1945)

    No more distressing moment can ever face a British government than that which requires it to come to a hard, fast and specific decision.
    Barbara Tuchman (1912–1989)

    Here I sit down to form characters. One I intend to be all goodness; All goodness he is. Another I intend to be all gravity; All gravity he is. Another Lady Gish; All Lady Gish she is. I am all the while absorbed in the character. It is not fair to say—I, identically I, am anywhere, while I keep within the character.
    Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)