On helping and being helped

If we can find the money to kill people, we can find the money to help people. 

Tony Benn . 1925-2014 . British politician . interview with Michael Moore

Dammit…  Don’t you dare ask God to help me.

Joan Crawford . c1904-1977 . American actress . last words, addressed to her house-keeper who had begun to pray aloud

No other offense has ever been visited with such severe penalties as seeking to help the oppressed.

Clarence Darrow . 1857-1938 . American lawyer and libertarian . unsourced

We are all on earth to help others.  What on earth the others are here for, I can’t imagine. 

John Foster Hall . 1867-1945 . English comedian known as the Rev Vivian Foster, Vicar of Mirth

In times like these, it’s helpful to remember that there have always been times like these.

Paul Harvey . 1918-2009 . American radio broadcaster

It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.

Napoleon Hill . 1883-1970 . American author . unsourced, probably Think and grow rich

For our last number, I’d like to ask your help.  Would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands.  And the rest of you, if you’ll just rattle your jewellery.

John Lennon . 1940-1980 . English singer/songwriter . Royal Variety performance, London (1963)

What’s gone and what’s past help
Should be past grief.

William Shakespeare . 1564-1616 . English poet and playwright . The winter’s tale

Society attacks early, when the individual is helpless.

BF Skinner . 1904-1990 . American psychologist and author . Walden two

Every attack is a cry for help.

unknown author . Psychology of vision principle

selection copyright © 2015 Jeremy Marchant . uploaded 18 november 2015 . image: Free images