Related:

• Avarice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the read the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
  -- Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.)...
• The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence that it is not utterly absurd
  indeed, in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more often likely to be foolish than sensible....
• The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd
  indeed in view of the silliness of the majority of mankind, a widespread belief is more likely to be foolish than sensible....
• One of the merits of democracy is quite obvious: it is perhaps the most charming form of government ever devised by man.
  The reason is not far to seek. It is based on propositions that are palpably not true -- and what is not true, as everyone knows, is always immensely more fascinating and satisfying to the vast majority of men than what is true....
• Two can live as cheaply as one, but that one will go into debt twice as fast.
• Obviously the subject of death was in the air, but more as something to be avoided than harped upon.
  Possibly the horror that Zaphod experienced at the prospect of being reunited with his deceased relatives led on to the thought that they might just feel the same way about him and, what's more, be able to do something about helping to postpone this reunion....
• Don't ever become a pessimist, Ira; a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun -- and neither can stop the march of events.
  -- Robert Heinlein, Time Enough For Love...
• Bart: What's the matter with you, soldier! Boy: It's my nerves, sir.
  I just can't stand the barking any more. Bart: Your nerves!...