“People that make puns are like wanton boys that put coppers on the railroad tracks.”

— Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858)

About Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

1809 – 1894

American physician, poet and essayist, author of "The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table".

“Beware how you take away hope from any human being.”

“Deal with him as a truant, if you will, but claim him, keep him, call him brother still!”

“Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.”

“I can resist everything except temptation.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“I have nothing to declare except my genius.”

“The report of my death was an exaggeration.”

“Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses.”

“A man may be a fool and not know it—but not if he is married.”