Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,161,747 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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Books and reading
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“in the last one year, I have worked tirelessly to ensure we educate children in remote communities about COVID-19 and I am excited to see these new books reach the hands of many more children.”
Raquel Kasham Daniel wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My biggest writing challenge is embracing the freedom that I have now from page and word restrictions. My first few books were published by Naiad Press, and were subject to restrictions. I learned to make every word count, minimalize description, and move quickly from scene to scene, all of which improved my craft. But, now I can expand the scope of my story lines without fear of drastic cuts.”
Marianne K. Martin (born 1945) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I used to have everything — all the cards and books and pamphlets and notes. Now I have my iPhone”
Ije Akunyili wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I’m making artwork for other people to experience, so I work in ways like public street art, public web sites, social media, digital printmaking, artists books and zines, mass media, video and audio files, many different ways that can be easily distributed and reach wide audiences and create and take part in larger conversations.”
Eric Millikin (born 1953) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It’s time for this unconstitutional, illegal statute (to come) off the books and say to the LGBTQ community that we support your marriages.”
Tina Polsky (born 1968) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Real cognitive science, however, is necessarily based on experimental investigation of actual humans or animals. We will leave that for other books, as we assume the reader has only a computer for experimentation.”
Peter Norvig (born 1956) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“At one point I had it as my monitor stand because it was one of the biggest set of books I had, and it was just the right height. That was nice because it was always there, and I guess then I was more prone to use it as a reference because it was just right in front of me.”
Peter Norvig (born 1956) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I have been the PhD thesis supervisor of almost 50 wonderful graduate students. Many of them have become fine teachers. And ideas from my books have influenced some high-school curricula.”
Gerald Jay Sussman (born 1947) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I’ve been writing a memoir, and it’s a project that has been ongoing for a couple of years, I felt like it’s related to the current moment. I had published another piece with the L.A. Review of Books, and I thought I would share my experience. I sent it to them, and it didn’t even take them an hour to say yes.”
Hamid Ekbia (born 1955) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Even after the Cold War ended and most of the world’s communist regimes collapsed, biting the nourishing hand of industrial modernity remained a favourite pastime of leftist intellectuals. Postmodernists and critical theorists launched countless attacks on Western civilisation, while ensconced in cushy positions at Western universities, and Western presses published their books.”
Maarten Boudry (born 1984) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A lady who has given us some charming books of minute and faithful studies of birds and beasts, Mrs. Effie Bignell, says of the two robins who were free in her house, that they were entirely different in every characteristic, one of them loving and gentle "like a perfect gentleman," while the other was greed itself, with shocking table manners, and in every way different.”
Harriet Mann Miller (1831–1918) said by 1918 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Mrs. Irene Grosvenor Wheelock, author of several books, and a careful student of living birds in the nest, has found decided individuality in young bluebirds as early as ten days old. One would be gentle, easily pacified, and trustful, while another was fierce and resentful of captivity.”
Harriet Mann Miller (1831–1918) said by 1918 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Education is not limited to books and instructional teaching and learning. My family was and remains the teacher of values, culture, diversity, emotional intelligence, financial literacy and hygiene. So how I understand, value, care for and celebrate my culture is a reflection of the educational role my family plays when it comes to teaching me about my cultural roots”
Paulina Malulu (born 1989) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is them — because they are still buying my books and hyping them even five years later — who motivate me to continue writing”
Dudu Busani-Dube (born 1981) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I'd rather someone talk to me about the characters in my books than my style of writing. I wanted it to appeal to someone on a social grant, to someone in an executive office.”
Dudu Busani-Dube (born 1981) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Representation plays a huge role in prompting acceptance and inclusivity, as well as decolonising what is already represented out there, Whether It Be In Books, media outlets, or television”
Zulaikha Patel (born 2003) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I strongly believe that seeing yourself represented in the pages of books empowers one’s existence”
Zulaikha Patel (born 2003) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Zulaikha Patel: Former Pretoria Girls High pupil who protested against discriminatory hair policies joins Newzroom Afrika 13 August, 2025
“As much as my writing is diverse and sometimes straddles different categories, it’s clear that placing any of my books under a section marked “chick lit” is patently sexist”
Angela Makholwa (born 1976) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I enjoy writing all my characters, otherwise they would not make it into my books”
Sue Nyathi (born 1978) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I believe books should transport you to places, whether real or imagined”
Sue Nyathi (born 1978) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“No one in this country can become anything without books.”
Jackie Phamotse (born 1989) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We pretend that queerness or homosexuality is a new phenomenon. It’s always been there. It’s there in our songs and historical books but it’s something that we’re, like, ashamed of”
Fred Khumalo (born 1966) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In all the books that Cassava is promoting, they can see that this is not ‘Africa”
Hawa Jande Golakai (born 1979) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“More books have been written with Napoleon in the title than there have been days since his death in 1821. Admittedly, many have titles like Napoleon’s Haemorrhoids and Napoleon’s Buttons, but there are several thousand comprehensive, cradle-to-grave biographies too.”
Andrew Roberts, Baron Roberts of Belgravia (born 1963) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Khoemacau mine donates books Africa Press(10 May 2023)”
Caterpillar Hikuama wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Take care what you say, for we shall meet again face to face at the last day … we must all appear at the judgment seat of God … every idle word spoken by men shall be revealed … on the day of judgment.” https://missiology.org.uk/pdf/e-books/matthews_thomas-t/thirty-years-in-madagascar_matthews.pdf?”
Rafaravavy Rasalama (1815–1837) said by 1837 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I would like to win this trophy and see my name in the history books of Ghana, of Africa, and even worldwide. I’m very happy, and I know Ghanaians are happy too.”
Grace Asantewaa (born 2000) first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: WAFCON 2024: I want to make history – Grace Asantewaa dreams of lifting the trophy Joy Online (19 July 2025)
“I want my name to be in the history books in Ghana, in Africa, and the world. I am very happy, and I know that Ghanaians are happy.”
Grace Asantewaa (born 2000) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: We are going to win the trophy – Grace Asantewaa declares as Black Queens reach WAFCON semifinals Adom Online (retrieved 24 November 2025)
“My sense of audacity came from the fact that I felt so well represented in my home, from what I was looking at, from the fact that my parents formed what we call an alternate curriculum of books, folklore, fairytales, where everybody was global, Black, Brown, from every different part of the world”
Yara Shahidi (born 2000) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Kaya may bookshelf ako kasi (The reason why I have a bookshelf is) I love bookshelves, you can make it even for even your dining ware… Or you can make it your books, your plants, you can make it anything you really want. Each piece sana can be seen in anyone’s home, no matter what work they have or what their aesthetic is. I feel like the pieces can find a place there.”
Catriona Gray (born 1994) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/modern-living/2025/04/01/2432701/catriona-gray-describes-whats-inside-her-dream-home-pundar
“Why do you think it is always me, Director?" Eliza protested. "It could be Books. My father always told me to beware the quiet ones”
Philippa Ballantine (born 1971) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I’m not a proponent of the Dewey Classification system. It was created in the 1870s and is based on a system that classifies knowledge according to Western perspectives and cultural bias. It doesn’t accommodate interdisciplinary subjects or emerging fields. What I consider nonfiction might be shelved in the fiction section of a library. I just enjoy books”
Serie Barford (born 1960) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Let the church not be seen as a beneficiary while schools have no books, hospitals have no medicine and doctors and teachers have no pay. We do not know where the huge sum of money donated to churches by politicians comes from and we should be worried. Let donations be done in secret to ensure the same is genuine and not a form for campaign or show-off.”
Cleophas Oseso Tuka (born 1967) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Bishop of Nakuru: "We do not know where the huge sum of money donated to churches by politicians comes from and we should be worried" (7 March 2025) Fides News Agency
“While I won’t tell you what happens, I will say that Rebecca is a strong and admirable character. You feel that Beale really lets you into the mind of somebody who has grown up within a strict environment such as The Children of the Faith. Beale’s books have dealt with cults several times previously, but always from the outside looking in, so this is a refreshing point of view.”
Fleur Beale (born 1945) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Established’ is a good word, much used in garden books,”
Ursula Bethell (1874–1945) said by 1945 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Oral history is transmitted by narrative, by song, by proverb and by genealogy. We who write down our histories in books transmit our chosen perceptions to readers rather than to listeners, but both forms are structured,interpretative and combative.”
Judith Binney (1940–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The King to Oxford sent a troop of horse, For Tories own no argument but force: With equal skill to Cambridge books he sent, For Whigs admit no force but argument.”
William Browne (physician) first seen 1812 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Reply to Trapp's epigram "The King, observing with judicious eyes". Nichols' Literary Anecdotes, vol. 3 (1812) p. 330
“If you have to be hungry or thirsty about anything in life, that’s knowledge, information, experiences, wisdom. And much of that you can get from books, newspapers, online posts, or readings,”
Jessica Soho (born 1964) first seen 2025 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/946820/jessica-soho-inspires-next-gen-journalists-at-nspc-2025-as-she-celebrates-40-years-in-broadcastin/story/
“This has been an incredible year for the books and one heck of a ride all together. I really couldn’t have done this without the unwavering support and hard work of so many,”
Michelle Dee (born 1995) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I'm always in the mood for creating more history - this match is one for the books for me.”
Alexandra Eala (born 2005) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You'll never learn medicine with books or without them.”
George E. Burch (1910–1986) first seen 1016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Cited in Roberts, William C. (July 1986). "George Edward Burch, MD, 1910–1986". The American Journal of Cardiology. 58 (1): 162–167. doi:10.1016/0002-9149(86)90263-8. PMID 3524179.
“I don’t think Ripley is gay. He appreciates good looks in other men, that’s true. But he’s married in later books. I’m not saying he’s very strong in the sex department. But he makes it in bed with his wife.”
Patricia Highsmith (1921–1995) said by 1995 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“They translate books of science and attribute authorship to their coreligionists.”
Abd al-Majid ibn Abdun (1050–1135) said by 1135 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Joseph F. O'Callaghan, A History of Medieval Spain Cornell University Press, Ithaca, 1975, p. 313. quoted in C. K. Raju, Cultural Foundations of Mathematics, Vol. 10, Pt. 4: The Nature of Mathematical Proof and the Tran…
“No, literature isn’t eternal,” he cried. “It’s a thing of the moment. Even if you made books with pages of steel and diamond letters, they would some day crash into the sun and melt, together with our planet. Nothing is eternal, least of all in art. It doesn’t matter how long an author’s work continues to glimmer after his death. What matters is how brightly it burns while he’s still alive.”
Walter Moers (born 1957) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Comprehensive books are very useful in the hands of those whose minds are already formed ; but experience has taught us that a judicious parsimony proves more successful in encouraging the mental efforts of young beginners, amid the many difficulties arising from the giddiness natural to their age, as well as from the number of their scholastic duties.”
Joseph Bayma (1816–1892) first seen 1885 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Elements of Geometry for the Use of Beginners (1885)
“I have never tasted pleasures so true as those I have found in the study of books, in writing, or in music. The days that succeed brilliant entertainments are always melancholy, but those which follow days of study are delicious; we have gained something; we have acquired some new knowledge, and we recall the past day not only without disgust and without regret, but with consummate satisfaction.”
Stéphanie Félicité, comtesse de Genlis (1746–1830) said by 1830 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“All my novels are about moral questions ... Most of us want to believe in something: politics, religion, saving the world, and there comes a point in people's lives, usually in their 30's, when their faith is shaken in that belief. A lot of my books have dealt with that moment of crisis. Because I've tried to be truthful, the s rarely solve their problems.”
Brian Moore (novelist) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is said that nature abhors a vacuum (a saying that has always struck this author as unusually dumb—since the vast majority of the natural universe is in fact a splendid vacuum, nature must in fact love a vacuum), but any perceived voids in the law books do tend to get filled in due course.”
Harold Lewis (1923–2011) said by 2011 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My message is that they have to be very careful not to be swayed by everything that is written in the name of history. They have to be very critical about the books or articles written on Ethiopian history.”
Bahru Zewde (born 1947) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Saying that Christian theology provided the cultural and philosophical ‘humus’ for the birth of science is of little interest to anyone, while saying, impertinently, that science and theology are eternally at war, or that Christianity is irrational, sells books.”
Giuseppe Tanzella-Nitti (born 1955) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source