“Work is a dangerous and destructive drug, and should be called by its right name, which is Fatigue.”

— Robertson Davies, The Diary of Samuel Marchbanks (1947)

About Robertson Davies

1913 – 1995

Canadian novelist, playwright and critic.

“Our age has robbed millions of the simplicity of ignorance, and has so far failed to lift them to the simplicity of wisdom.”

“The past is only partly irrecoverable.”

“Art lies in understanding some part of the dark forces and bringing them under the direction of reason.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Nothing will work unless you do.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

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

“I can resist everything except temptation.”

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.”