Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Sam Kean

Quote by Sam Kean

Work

The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements

Browse quotes and source details for this work. more

Author

Sam Kean
Sam Kean

Sam Kean is an American science writer known for his engaging narratives on the history of science. He has authored several bestselling books, including 'The Disappearing Spoon,' 'The Violinist's Thumb,' and 'The Ice Age Cave Man.' His works explore topics in physics, biology, chemistry, and medicine, making complex scientific concepts accessible to general readers. Kean's writing style is humorous and insightful, earning him critical acclaim and a wide readership. He also contributes to major publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Scientific American. His books have been translated into over 20 languages, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in popular science writing. more

You May Also Like

“And even in the open air the stench of whiskey was appalling. To this fiendish poison, I am certain, the greater part of the squalor I saw is due. Many of these vermin were obviously not foreigners—I counted at least five American countenances in which a certain vanished decency half showed through the red whiskey bloating. Then I reflected upon the power of wine, and marveled how self-respecting persons can imbibe such stuff, or permit it to be served upon their tables. It is the deadliest enemy with which humanity is faced. Not all the European wars could produce a tenth of the havock occasioned among men by the wretched fluid which responsible governments allow to be sold openly. Looking upon that mob of sodden brutes, my mind’s eye pictured a scene of different kind; a table bedecked with spotless linen and glistening silver, surrounded by gentlemen immaculate in evening attire—and in the reddening faces of those gentlemen I could trace the same lines which appeared in full development of the beasts of the crowd. Truly, the effects of liquor are universal, and the shamelessness of man unbounded. How can reform be wrought in the crowd, when supposedly respectable boards groan beneath the goblets of rare old vintages? Is mankind asleep, that its enemy is thus entertained as a bosom friend? But a week or two ago, at a parade held in honour of the returning Rhode Island National Guard, the Chief Executive of this State, Mr. Robert Livingston Beeckman, prominent in New York, Newport, and Providence society, appeared in such an intoxicated condition that he could scarce guide his mount, or retain his seat in the saddle, and he the guardian of the liberties and interests of that Colony carved by the faith, hope, and labour of Roger Williams from the wilderness of savage New-England! I am perhaps an extremist on the subject of prohibition, but I can see no justification whatsoever for the tolerance of such a degrading demon as drink.”

DrinkingAlcoholDrunkBeerPoisonSobrietyBoozeAleLovecraftStraight EdgeTeetotalerDrunkenessTeetotal
Book:Lord of a Visible World: An Autobiography in Letters
Create image

“Non poteva nemmeno affogare la delusione nel vino, come faceva l’allegra brigata dell’ispettore. Sì, perché lui era astemio. Non ci poteva fare proprio niente: il dolce succo di Bacco gli dava acidità, nel migliore dei casi, e nel peggiore gli regalava delle tremende fitte allo stomaco. Era così da sempre. La cosa gli aveva procurato non pochi problemi a livello d’integrazione. Se c’era un individuo da quelle parti di cui si diffidava, era proprio l’astemio. Estremamente raro, e per questo estremamente sospetto. Perché non era come tutti gli altri? Quando tutti gli altri facevano tintinnare i bicchieri, cosa ci faceva lui in disparte in un angolo? Osservava? Giudicava? Minacciava? E ancora: cosa ci faceva con tutta quell’acqua? Dava da bere alle piante? Riempiva gli umidificatori dei termosifoni?”

DrinkingSuspicionTeetotaler
Book:La primavera tarda ad arrivare
Create image

“The Sibyl Slant stared out of her slit eyes, the disc of her face showing no feeling at all. “Do you suppose you will look the same when you are an old woman as you do now? Most folk have three faces—the face they get when they’re children, the face they own when they’re grown, and the face they’ve earned when they’re old.”

StudyWitSeptemberHalloweenShadowsFairylandWyvernGlashtynMaridSibyl Slant
Book:The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There
Create image