In the latter part of his career, Spanish violinist Pablo de Sarasate received a visit from a famous music critic who acclaimed him as a genius.… "A genius!" Sarasate said. "For thirty-seven years I've practiced fourteen hours a day, and now they call me a genius!
—Bartlett's Book of Anecdotes
As she lay dying, Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour—the official chief mistress of Louis XV, King of France—summoned her last strength and called to God, "Wait a second," as she dabbed her cheeks with rouge.
—Bartlett's Book of Anecdotes
During the contest for the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination, John F. Kennedy visited a mine in West Virginia. "Is it true you're the son of one of our wealthiest men?" asked one of the miners there. Kennedy admitted that this was true. "Is it true that you've never wanted for anything and had everything you wanted?" "I guess so," Kennedy replied. "Is it true you've never done a day's work with your hands all your life?" Kennedy nodded. "Well, let me tell you this," said the miner. "You haven't missed a thing.
—Bartlett's Book of Anecdotes
A visitor to Niels Bohr's country cottage, noticing a horseshoe hanging on the wall, teased the eminent scientist about this ancient superstition. "Can it be that you, of all people, believe it will bring you luck?" "Of course not," replied Bohr, "but I understand it brings you luck whether you believe or not.
—Bartlett's Book of Anecdotes
Among the sages whom [Ralph Waldo] Emerson sought out on his visit to Europe was the notoriously reticent and difficult Thomas Carlyle. He called on Carlyle one evening and was given a pipe, while his host took one himself. They sat together smoking in perfect silence until bedtime, and on parting shook hands most cordially, congratulating each other on the fruitful time they had enjoyed together.
—Bartlett's Book of Anecdotes
Censuring Joseph Stalin at a public meeting, Soviet premier Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev was interrupted by a voice from the audience. "You were one of Stalin's colleagues," shouted the heckler. "Why didn't you stop him?"
—Bartlett's Book of Anecdotes
History
27 Sep 2016
Added
26 Oct 2026
Wording changed
Previous wording
In the latter part of his career, Spanish violinist Pablo de Sarasate received a visit from a famous music critic who acclaimed him as a genius. . . . "A genius!" Sarasate said. "For thirty-seven years I've practiced fourteen hours a day, and now they call me a genius!