Some of our “Quotables” said too much good stuff, so We are are dishing out second helpings. If the pictures look familiar, well…
Previously YIR offered: October 3, Mr. Twain, and October 13, Mr. Mencken.
(PS: Halloween is on Monday, so don’t say you were not reminded.)
Casey Stengel was a legendary manager for the NY Yankees, and later, the NY Mets. He had a lot of colorful things to say about baseball.
Rhinos like snappy patter. Yup, We do.
Mr. Stengel was left-handed, which might explain something, though We’re not sure what.
Mr. Isaac Asimov was a celebrated author in both science and science fiction. He was a voracious reader as well.
Clearly Mr. Asimov valued the active, inquisitive mind, so his Inner Rhino was fueled and functioning. (Cue the tasteful applause.)
He also taught biochemistry, which impresses Us, since We know nothing about that. Maybe We prove his point?
Henry David Thoreau was an influential 19th c. author, philosopher, speaker, and naturalist. He wrote an essay called Civil Disobedience, in which he recommended that citizens advocate against faulty government. Sounds reasonable to Us. No violence, just speaking up. As often as needed.
We Rhinos are of course entirely comfortable with Mr. Thoreau’s approach to Nature, since We live there and know a lot about it. Living outdoors will do that for anybody.
Rhinos at home; in the Wild. We like it.
Phyllis Diller’s comedic career spanned an interesting time in history, dealing with Women’s Lib and the reorientation of women’s identity. Her humor was first self-deprecating, and then morphed into something more pointed and challenging.
Rhinos do not make good housewives either. We do make great Mothers however. Ask anybody.
Today’s quote is from Mr. William James, who is reputed to be the Father of American Psychology. He was an influential teacher and public speaker in his day, his study was Pragmatism. His works are a statement of American philosophy, highly regarded. Plus, he seems like a good guy.
Rhinos are pragmatic, doing what needs doing, and getting on with it. We cope with obstacles as best We may, either a) pushing through, or b) skirting around. Or c) chatting with the obstacle itself, to work things out. The first two systems are emotionally fulfilling, the last solution is more productive.
In 1830, Sarah Josepha Hale (b.1788) penned ‘Mary had a little lamb’, which has held up well, as nursery rhymes go. Ms. Hale had another role to play in US history; for 40 years she was the Editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, the 19th c. delineator of domestic taste and fashion in a time when magazines were uncommon.
Ms. Hale was also a prime mover for Thanksgiving Day, petitioning President Abraham Lincoln for its establishment.
Rhinos understand the place of Gratitude in daily life, so a little official recognition is a good idea, say We. (This year it is November 24, all day.)
President Washington pretty much says it all. That’s what Rhinos think anyway.
One associated Misgiving: the ability to holler is not the same as voicing a reasoned and informed opinion.
Abigail Adams was the wife of John Adams, US President #2. They lived through some raucous times, for certain.
Rhinos like the idea of evaluating a range of thoughts on a subject; comparison shopping, mentally. One good idea doesn’t necessarily exclude another idea, does it? Maybe each has points of interest? Flexibility, very Rhino.
Of course, that approach requires more careful Listening than is usual.
Lily Tomlin is an amazing comedian, sharp, witty, and humane. Shown here is Ernestine, a character she made famous on Laugh-In, a 1970s TV show.
Ms. Tomlin has a lot of Inner Rhino going on there, We must say. Brilliant.
Your Inner Rhino 