The compiler of this collection is the man who gave
the world the Peter Principle, the classic law of managerial
incompetence, which states that, in a work situation, people are
promoted to their level of incompetence. We can observe the truth of
this neat observation all around us.
Laurence Peter’s Quotations for Our Time is a highly
personal collection of quotations, collected by him over many years.
Unlike the many other books of quotations available, this one focuses on
ideas rather than words. The basis for inclusion was the idea that
each quote contained and the relationship of that idea to our time.
Peter comments in his Introduction: ‘What evolved was a collage of
living ideas about the future of our planet earth, ecology, peace,
technology, human beliefs, and other subjects related to our present
condition.’ The book is also distinctive because the choice is so
personal and idiosyncratic. The compiler has simply included what he
felt like, as long as it had contemporary relevance, which means that
the reader can come across real gems of brevity, wit and content from
little-known sources.
Quotations for Our Time contains over 5,000 quotations, with a
useful alphabetical arrangement within a large number of subject areas, from
Ability and Animals, through Marriage and Riots, to Vice and Zoos.
There’s also an index of names and authors, if you already know the
author of the quote you’re looking for.
But the greatest joy of this book is the serendipity of dipping
into it and finding something entertaining and often unfamiliar. It’s
really good for browsing. Two cynical comments on writing will give the
flavour:
‘Someday I hope to write a book where the royalties will pay for
the copies I give away.’
Clarence Darrow
‘If you have one strong idea, you can’t help repeating it and
embroidering it. Sometimes I think that authors should write one book
and then be put in a gas chamber.’
John P Marquand
I recommend this handy book for any writer’s bookshelf. If
you need to find a good quote to include in your work, you will surely
encounter it here. If you want something to get you thinking, you will
come across it in these pages. If you have to make a speech, Quotations
for Our Time is full of amusing and quotable titbits. And if all you
want is an entertaining diversion to while away an hour or two, the
book provides a highly enjoyable romp through the best wit and wisdom of
our times.
