Famous quotes containing the words henry brooks adams, brooks adams, henry, brooks and/or adams:
“What a vast fraternity it is,—that of ‘Hearts that Ache.’ For the last three months it has seemed to me as though all society were coming to me, to drop its mask for a moment and initiate me into the mystery. How we do suffer! And we go on laughing; for, as a practical joke at our expense, life is a success.”
—Henry Brooks Adams (1838–1918)
“Power is poison. Its effect on Presidents had always been tragic.”
—Henry Brooks Adams (1838–1918)
“When John Henry was a little fellow,
You could hold him in the palm of your hand,
He said to his pa, “When I grow up
I’m gonna be a steel-driving man.
Gonna be a steel-driving man.””
—Unknown. John Henry (l. 1–5)
“Although I’ve risen! and my back is bold.
My tongue is brainy, choosing from among
Care, rage, surprise, despair, and choosing care.
I’m semi-splendid within what I’ve defended.”
—Gwendolyn Brooks (b. 1917)
“The spectacle [of American politics] resembles that of swarms of insects changing from worms to wings. They must get the wings or die. For our salvation, Mr. Wilbur Wright is providing wings. He will also have to provide a new insect to use them.”
—Henry Brooks Adams (1838–1918)