“Nature never makes blunders; when she makes a fool she means it.”

— Josh Billings, Affurisms, from Josh Billings: His Sayings, 1865

About Josh Billings

1818 – 1885

Pen name of the American humorist Henry Wheeler Shaw.

“There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.”

“I honestly beleave it iz better tew know nothing than two know what ain't so.”

“Tew bring up a child in the wa he should go—travel that wa yourself.”

“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

“Remember that all is opinion.”

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered.”

“Beauty is the mark God sets upon virtue.”

“Truth also has its roof, and bed, and board.”

“Heartily know, when half-gods go, the gods arrive.”