What is *Neverisms* by Dr. Mardy Grothe about?

*Neverisms* is a curated collection of over 2,000 quotations that begin with the word "never," offering witty, wise, and often humorous advice on topics like life, relationships, and human behavior. Organized thematically, it blends classic sayings with modern insights, accompanied by Dr. Grothe’s commentary on their origins and relevance.

Who should read *Neverisms*?

This book is ideal for quotation enthusiasts, writers, speakers, and anyone who enjoys wordplay or practical wisdom. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking creative inspiration, historical context for memorable phrases, or a lighthearted yet insightful read.

Is *Neverisms* worth reading?

Yes—critics and readers praise it for its unique concept, engaging storytelling, and blend of humor and wisdom. With accolades from prominent wordsmiths, it’s a standout resource for understanding how "never" statements shape human communication and decision-making.

What are some famous quotes from *Neverisms*?

Notable examples include: - *“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died”* (Erma Bombeck) - *“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way”* (Babe Ruth) - *“Never trust a computer you can’t lift”* (Steve Jobs)

How is *Neverisms* organized?

The book groups quotes into chapters based on themes (e.g., politics, business) or linguistic patterns (e.g., “Never underestimate,” “Never trust”). Each chapter includes Dr. Grothe’s analysis of the quotes’ historical or cultural significance.

What is a “neverism”?

Coined by Dr. Grothe, a “neverism” is a quotation starting with “never” that delivers advice, warnings, or observations. These range from humorous one-liners to profound life lessons, reflecting universal human experiences.

How does *Neverisms* compare to Dr. Mardy Grothe’s other books?

Like *Oxymoronica* (paradoxes) and *Ifferisms* (“if”-based quotes), *Neverisms* focuses on a specific linguistic device. However, it uniquely explores the persuasive power of prohibitive statements, making it a companion piece to his broader work on language.

What lessons can be learned from *Neverisms*?

The quotes emphasize resilience (*“Never give in”* – Winston Churchill), self-awareness (*“Never take yourself too seriously”*), and practicality (*“Never argue with a fool”* – Mark Twain), offering timeless guidance for personal and professional challenges.

Neverisms Summary

A Quotation Lover's Guide to Things You Should Never Do, Never Say, or Never Forget

Mardy Grothe

3.84(102 Reviews)

Neverisms Summary Overview

Discover 2,000+ timeless "never" quotes that shape our cultural wisdom. Dr. Grothe's collection - praised as one of the best quotation anthologies ever - offers witty insights that serve as perfect conversation starters while subtly guiding your ethical compass. What "never" might change your life?

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Chapter 1

The Wisdom of What Not to Do: A Journey Through History's Greatest Warnings

Have you ever noticed how some of the most powerful advice begins with the word "never"? From Margaret Mead's famous "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" to Don Corleone's chilling counsel in The Godfather: "Never get angry. Never make a threat. Reason with people," these admonitions have shaped human behavior for centuries. Mardy Grothe's fascinating collection "Neverisms" brings together history's most memorable cautionary statements-those pithy, powerful warnings that begin with "never." What makes these particular expressions so compelling? Perhaps it's because they represent the distilled wisdom of human experience, capturing in a few words what others have painfully learned through trial and error. As we explore this remarkable treasury of human insight, we'll discover how these concise warnings have influenced everything from personal relationships to global politics.

Chapter 2

The Lighter Side of Wisdom: Wit and Humor in Neverisms

Some of the most memorable neverisms come wrapped in humor, making serious advice more palatable through wit. Dave Barry, the Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist, mastered this approach with gems like "Never make eye contact" in New York City and "Never board a commercial aircraft if the pilot is wearing a tank top." His travel advice continues with the practical "Never pee in the bidet," wisdom that many international travelers have discovered too late. America's beloved female humorist Erma Bombeck contributed her own domestic observations, including "Never go to a class reunion pregnant" and her classic "Never have more children than you have car windows." These weren't just jokes but practical life lessons delivered with a smile. As a newspaper reporter who evolved into a nationally syndicated columnist read by 30 million people, Bombeck understood how humor could make wisdom stick. P.J. O'Rourke, who journeyed from hippie to libertarian Republican, crafted memorable warnings like "Never fight an inanimate object" and the oddly specific "Never stab anyone with a gravy ladle." His advice to young people-"Never have a food fight with school-dining-hall food"-contains both humor and practical wisdom about institutional cuisine. Even everyday wits have contributed to this tradition. Bill Nye (not the Science Guy) won a neverisms contest with the mathematically perfect "Never make an obtuse observation about a triangle. It just isn't right." Anonymous contributors gave us classics like "Never play leapfrog with a unicorn" and restaurant warnings like "Never eat at a place with a Help Wanted sign." The entertainment world has produced countless witty neverisms. Johnny Carson advised "Never use a big word when a little filthy one will do," while Carol Leifer offered practical dining wisdom: "Never eat at a restaurant that charges for bread." Miss Piggy contributed her famous "Never eat more than you can lift," and Rita Rudner observed about playing peek-a-boo on airplanes: "There's no end to the game." Perhaps Mark Twain best captured the blend of humor and wisdom in neverisms. His mother facetiously advised: "Never learn to do anything. If you don't learn, you will always find someone else to do it for you." Twain himself counseled: "Never run after your own hat-others will be delighted to do it; why spoil their fun?" These humorous warnings remind us that sometimes the most profound wisdom comes with a wink and a smile.

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Chapter 3

Words to Live By: The Philosophical Power of "Never"

Some neverisms transcend simple advice to become profound life philosophies. Consider the story of Ernest Hemingway and Marlene Dietrich-their passionate but platonic relationship revealed through letters made public in 2007. When Dietrich was uncertain about accepting a Miami nightclub offer, Hemingway advised, "Never confuse movement with action." These five words so profoundly affected Dietrich that they became her "whole philosophy." These "teachable moments" often produce words that guide entire lives. Norman Vincent Peale recalled how, as a fearful young reporter, his editor commanded, "Never be afraid of anybody or anything in this life!"-advice that shaped his future approach to challenges. Harvey Mackay shared how his father taught him a business lesson by encouraging him to slide down a banister, promising to catch him, but letting him fall, then declaring, "Never trust anyone in business; not even your own father." The 17th-century Spanish Jesuit priest Baltasar Gracian influenced philosophers with wisdom like "Never contend with a man who has nothing to lose," demonstrating how neverisms have shaped thinking across centuries. Einstein's "Never lose a holy curiosity" reminds us to maintain our sense of wonder, while literary gems like Thackeray's "Never lose a chance of saying a kind word" encourage everyday compassion. Andre Gide's advice "Never accept an evil that you can change" and "Never cease to be convinced that life might be better" inspired generations of French intellectuals. Dag Hammarskjold's posthumously published journal Markings offers metaphorical guidance about mountains and horizons, encouraging us to maintain perspective in life's journey. The civil rights movement gave us powerful neverisms like Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter," while baseball legend Satchel Paige reminded us to "Never look back; something might be gaining on you." General Patton's leadership principle-"Never tell people how to do things"-continues to influence management theory today. Religious figures like Fulton J. Sheen offered spiritual guidance through neverisms about humility, while artists like Vincent van Gogh urged us to keep our inner fire burning. These philosophical neverisms transcend simple advice to become frameworks for living an examined and meaningful life. As Fareed Zakaria reminded us, we should "Never let a crisis go to waste"-a principle that echoes John F. Kennedy's observation that crisis contains both danger and opportunity.

Chapter 4

The Art of Advice: When and How to Offer Guidance

William Safire's final New York Times op-ed column in 2005, titled "Never Retire!" encapsulated wisdom he'd received from Nobel laureate James Watson: "Your brain needs exercise or it will atrophy." This advice aligns with gerontology experts who include "Never retire" among their longevity recommendations. Comedian Mel Brooks similarly advised taking weekends off but continuing meaningful work Monday through Thursday. When people offer important advice, they often express it in the strongest possible terms-as exhortations ("always do this") or dehortations ("never do that"). Many powerful pieces of advice are delivered in just two or three words, like Chesterfield's "Never procrastinate," Disraeli's "Never argue," Emerson's "Never imitate," and Horace's "Never despair." Etiquette rules frequently take the form of neverisms, from Emily Post's fundamental principle-"Never do anything that is unpleasant to others"-to practical guidance for 1880s stagecoach passengers: "Never attempt to fire a gun or pistol while on the road." Even modern men's magazines offer neverisms like "Never iron a tie" and "Never eat food out of their original containers." Louis L'Amour advised "Never let an enemy get set" or give them time to move their chess pieces. Johann Kaspar Lavater warned "Never tell evil of a man if you do not know it for a certainty"-and even if you do, ask yourself why you should tell it. Jay Leno suggested "Never perform for your family" as they either laugh too hard or not at all, noting comedy uniquely requires strangers' validation. Abraham Lincoln advised "Never let your correspondence fall behind," while Og Mandino warned "Never treat time as if you had an unlimited supply." Edward R. Murrow instructed journalists to "Never sound excited" and to make reports accessible without insulting intelligence. The wisdom continues with Norman Vincent Peale's "Never talk defeat," Roger Rosenblatt's "Never do it for the money," and Abigail Van Buren's "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic." E.B. White reminded us to "Never hurry and never worry!" while Chuck Yeager advised "Never wait for trouble." These neverisms demonstrate that knowing when and how to give advice is itself an art form.

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Chapter 5

Timeless Wisdom: Classic Neverisms That Shaped History

Lord Chesterfield's famous advice against procrastination-"never put off till tomorrow what you can do today"-has become one of history's most enduring quotations. Born in 1694, Chesterfield wrote over a thousand letters to his illegitimate son Philip, offering guidance on etiquette and life. After Chesterfield's death, these private letters were published to great public interest, preserving his wisdom for future generations. This particular neverism has inspired numerous parodies and variations, from Mark Twain's "Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well" to Humphrey Bogart's "Never do today what you can put off till tomorrow." The evolution of this saying demonstrates how classic neverisms become part of our cultural dialogue, constantly reinterpreted for new contexts. Other classic neverisms have similarly shaped our thinking, from ancient wisdom like Publilius Syrus's "Never promise more than you can perform" to modern phrases like "Never let 'em see you sweat" (from a 1985 Gillette deodorant campaign) and "Never bring a knife to a gunfight" (popularized by the 1987 film The Untouchables). Napoleon Bonaparte's "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake" has become a political axiom, while Dickens popularized "Never say die" in Barnaby Rudge. Benjamin Disraeli contributed two famous neverisms: "Never take anything for granted" and "Never complain, never explain"-the latter becoming Henry Ford II's famous response after his 1974 drunk driving arrest. Robert J. Hanlon's "Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity" first appeared in Murphy's Law, Book Two (1980), while Robert Heinlein's "Never attempt to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig" from his 1973 novel Time Enough for Love may have been inspired by the earlier "Never wrestle with a pig" saying. These classic neverisms demonstrate how concise wisdom can travel through time, adapting to new circumstances while maintaining their essential truth. Whether from General "Stonewall" Jackson's "Never take counsel of your fears" to baseball legend Satchel Paige's "Never look back; something might be gaining on you," these sayings continue to guide our decisions and shape our understanding of the world.

Chapter 6

The Power of Underestimation: Warnings About Overlooking Potential

The iconic slogan "Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman" has an interesting origin story. In 1883, the American magazine Tribune and Farmer created a women's supplement called "Women at Home," initially written by publisher Cyrus Curtis. When his wife Louisa Knapp Curtis took over, it became so popular that within ten months it was spun off as an independent publication: The Ladies Home Journal and Practical Housekeeper (later streamlined to Ladies' Home Journal). Under the editorship of Edward W. Bok, Curtis's son-in-law, the magazine flourished, becoming America's best-selling magazine by the century's end and the first to reach a million-copy circulation in 1903. The magazine influenced American culture in numerous ways, including coining the term "living room" to replace the formal "drawing room." The iconic slogan "Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman" first appeared on the magazine's cover in October 1946, though it was originally created in 1939 by a copywriter at N.W. Ayer & Son advertising agency. This format-"never underestimate"-has inspired numerous variations. Oliver Stone warns about jealousy's destructive power, connecting it to conspiracy theories and noting that "if you've got power, you better watch your back." Coach Rudy Tomjanovich's "Never underestimate the heart of a champion" became a sports cliche after the Houston Rockets' back-to-back NBA titles. Kathleen Turner's feminist observation in "V.I. Warshawski" that "Never underestimate a man's ability to underestimate a woman" adds a meta-layer to the original slogan. Business titan Jack Welch warns "Never underestimate the other guy," explaining how GE analyzed competitors' potential responses. Political commentator Robert Williams crafted a three-part law about politicians' ability to say nothing stylishly while "touching all bases." Thomas Williams cautions against overestimating book buyers, while comedians Steven Wright and Martin Mull observe children's talent for finding trouble. These variations on "never underestimate" remind us to remain vigilant about hidden potential-whether in women, competitors, children, or even our own abilities. They caution against the human tendency to dismiss what we don't immediately recognize or understand, encouraging us to look deeper and consider possibilities beyond our initial assessments.

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Chapter 7

Trust Issues: When Skepticism Becomes Wisdom

Dan Quayle's infamous 1992 "potatoe" spelling incident, where the Vice President incorrectly suggested adding an 'e' to a student's correct spelling of "potato," demonstrates how a single mistake can haunt a public figure. This incident reinforces the wisdom behind many "never trust" neverisms that caution against blind acceptance. Dave Barry advises "Never trust anything you read in a travel article," noting that publications selling tourism ads won't publish negative content about destinations. Eubie Blake warns "Never trust anyone who wants what you've got," citing envy as an overwhelming emotion. McGeorge Bundy, reflecting on Vietnam War mistakes, cautions "Never trust the bureaucracy to get it right." These warnings about trust extend to personal relationships. Julie Burchill warns "Never trust a woman who says: 'I'm a woman's woman'," while Ben Cohen quips "Never trust a skinny ice cream man." Noel Coward advises "Never trust a man with short legs-brains too near their bottoms," and Lyndon Johnson offered colorfully crude advice about keeping men loyal. Proverbs from various cultures offer similar wisdom: the American "Never trust a man a dog doesn't like," the Arab "Never trust a fool with a sword," and the Yiddish "Never trust the man who tells you all his troubles but keeps from you all his joys." Theodore Roosevelt's political wisdom appears in his warning to "Never trust a man who says he is only a little crooked," adding that someone who is crooked for you will eventually be crooked against you. These "never trust" neverisms aren't promoting paranoia but rather encouraging discernment. They remind us that trust should be earned rather than freely given, especially in situations where motives might be mixed or hidden. As Joseph Telushkin warns, "Never use damaging information to invalidate your adversary"-a reminder that even when trust is broken, our response should maintain our own integrity.

Chapter 8

The Power of Persistence: Multiplying "Never" for Emphasis

On October 29, 1941, Winston Churchill visited his alma mater, Harrow School, delivering a brief five-minute speech containing some of history's most famous words: "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty-never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense." This quadruple neverism emphasized the critical importance of resolve in the face of danger. Multiple neverisms-where "never" is repeated for emphasis-appear throughout history. Churchill also offered triple neverisms about war: "Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy." Harper Lee's Scout Finch memorably advised, "Never, never, never, on cross-examination ask a witness a question you don't already know the answer to." Double neverisms appear in advice from all walks of life, from Richard Carlson's "Never, ever backstab" to Dr. Ruth's "Never, ever give up on sex." Some place the repeated "never" at the end for emphasis, as Mencken did with "Never drink if you've got any work to do. Never." Others build to a multiple neverism conclusion, like Noel Coward's advice to playwrights that ended with "never, never, never bore the living hell out of it." Baseball legend Ryne Sandberg warns "Never, ever disrespect your opponent or your teammates...and never, ever your uniform." Robert Schuller channels Churchill with "Never, never, never give up!" David Schwartz encourages "Think as big as you really are! Never, never, never sell yourself short." Norman Schwarzkopf offers the simple leadership rule "Never lie. Ever." Harry Truman advises "Never, never waste a minute on regret." These repeated neverisms demonstrate how emphasis can transform simple advice into powerful mantras. The repetition creates rhythm and urgency, making the advice more memorable and impactful. When we hear "never, never, never," we understand that this isn't casual advice but a principle worth embracing with our full commitment. As Jack Valenti instructed speakers, "never, never, never speak those words without first making them your friends"-advice that applies equally well to any important principle we adopt.

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Chapter 9

The Art of Human Connection: Relationship Wisdom Through Neverisms

Dale Carnegie, born in humble circumstances in 1888 Missouri, overcame shyness to become a pioneering figure in public speaking and interpersonal relations. After teaching popular classes at a New York YMCA, he published "How to Win Friends and Influence People" in 1936, which became the most successful self-improvement book in history with over thirty million copies sold worldwide. Carnegie understood that human relationships often succeed or fail based on what we don't do as much as what we do. Relationship neverisms offer practical guidance for navigating human connections. Dave Barry humorously advises against denying a woman who says she has nothing to wear, while George McKenna warns "Never ask the doctor, 'If I were your son, what would you do?'" Lance Morrow reminds us to "Never forget the power of silence, the massively disconcerting pause which goes on and on and may at last induce an opponent to babble and backtrack nervously." W.A. "Dub" Nance advises "Never answer an angry word with an angry word. It's the second one that makes the quarrel." Marriage counselors offer wisdom through neverisms: Joe Kita warns "Never try to win an argument" as seeing marriage as competition destroys it, while Mel Krantzler advises "Never inform your spouse of your intention to divorce by having a lawyer send over papers." George Jean Nathan's "Code of Life" includes "Never do a friend a dirty trick" alongside principles like working hard and disregarding others' opinions. Cultural proverbs contribute relationship wisdom through neverisms: the Japanese "Never rely on the glory of the morning or the smile of your mother-in-law" and the Spanish "Never advise anyone to go to war or to marry." William Lyon Phelps warns men to "Never try to outsmart a woman, unless you are another woman," while Emily Post advises to "Never try to make any two people like each other." Dorothy Sarnoff provides practical advice on eye contact: "Never try to look into both eyes at the same time. Switch your gaze from one eye to the other. That signals warmth and sincerity." George Bernard Shaw cynically observes "Never believe anything a person tells you about himself. A man comes to believe in the end lies he tells about himself to himself." These relationship neverisms remind us that human connections require both wisdom and restraint. Sometimes what we choose not to do-not answering anger with anger, not trying to win every argument, not forcing relationships-creates the space for authentic connection to flourish.

Chapter 10

The Unwritten Rules: Superstitions and Traditions in Sports

Baseball's rich tradition of superstitions includes the unwritten rule about never mentioning a no-hitter in progress. New York Times sportswriter Arthur Daly formalized this superstition in 1959, describing it as an "unwritten rule that specifies no one is ever to mention a no-hitter that is being manufactured." Daly wasn't merely reporting on this phenomenon but appeared to believe in it himself, writing that only "a scoundrel would commit so dastardly a deed" as mentioning a no-hitter, because doing so would summon "the whammy," a jinx-like entity that would destroy the no-hitter. Sports neverisms extend far beyond baseball superstitions. Harvey Penick, renowned golf instructor, warns "Never allow yourself to think about what is riding on a putt." Rick Pitino emphasizes "Never forget that it's imperative to keep people positive." Branch Rickey, who broke baseball's color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, lived by "Never surrender opportunity for security." Babe Ruth encourages "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way," while pitcher Nolan Ryan advises "Never let the failure of your last pitch affect the success of your next one." Basketball coach Dean Smith believed in "Never criticize a player in public" and posted thoughtful neverisms in the locker room like "Never judge your neighbor until you have walked in his moccasins for two full moons." Golf legend Sam Snead insisted "Never give up a hole" and "Never let up," believing that conceding defeats builds bad habits. Baseball manager Casey Stengel offered practical team management advice: "Never room a good guy with a loser" to prevent negative attitudes from spreading. Tennis champions Bill Tilden and Tony Wilding contributed "Never change a winning game; always change a losing one" and "Never relax for a second, no matter what the score." Baseball great Ted Williams advised "Never swing at a ball you're fooled on," while John Wooden, history's most successful college basketball coach, lived by numerous principles including "Never lose your temper," "Never mistake activity for achievement," and "Never believe you're better than anybody else, but remember that you're just as good as everybody else." These sports neverisms reveal how much of athletic success depends on mental discipline and character as much as physical skill. The traditions and unwritten rules of sports often contain profound wisdom about performance under pressure, teamwork, and maintaining perspective-lessons that extend far beyond the playing field.

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Chapter 11

Navigating Power: Political Wisdom in Neverism Form

Political neverisms offer guidance for navigating the complex world of power and governance. Mike Mansfield advised "Never question another man's motive. Question his judgment, but never his motive." Eugene McCarthy offered "Never say anything in a national campaign that anyone might remember," while Robert McCrum warned "Never underestimate the intimate relationship of politics and language," noting how Nixon's profanity damaged him more than his actual crimes. Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies advised "Never forget posterity when devising a policy. Never think of posterity when making a speech." Harvey Milk suggested "Never take an elevator when you're in City Hall," preferring the dramatic entrance of the marble staircase. Tip O'Neill's political rules included "Never speak of yourself in the third person," "Never forget your spouse," "Never attack an opponent's family," and "Never question the honesty or integrity of a colleague." Christabel Pankhurst advised suffragists to "Never lose your temper, even when met with insults," while Nancy Reagan warned politicians to "Never wear a ring on your right hand in a receiving line" to avoid painful handshakes. Other political wisdom comes from Nelson Rockefeller ("Never forget that the most powerful force on earth is love"), Will Rogers ("Never blame a legislative body for not doing something"), Theodore Roosevelt ("Never hit if you can help it, but when you have to, hit hard"), and Karl Rove's strategic advice to "Never go after someone's strength; go after what he thinks is his strength, but what is, in reality, a weakness." Harry Truman's earthy wisdom ("Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day"), Jack Valenti's caution to "never get personal" in political struggles, Rebecca West's observation that "people would rather be led to perdition by a man, than to victory by a woman," and Woodrow Wilson's advice to "Never murder a man who is committing suicide" all demonstrate how political neverisms often contain both practical tactics and deeper philosophical insights. These political neverisms remind us that power requires restraint as much as force, and that sometimes the wisest political move is knowing what not to do. As Fareed Zakaria noted, we should "Never let a crisis go to waste"-a principle that acknowledges how moments of disruption can become opportunities for meaningful change.

Chapter 12

The Business of Success: Management Wisdom Through Neverisms

The chapter introduces Erwin H. Schell as possibly more deserving of the title "father of modern management" than Peter Drucker, though Schell remains largely unknown outside MIT. His wise advice-"Never be unreceptive to facts, however discouraging, disappointing, or injurious to your personal welfare they may appear to be"-exemplifies how neverisms have shaped business thinking. Harry Quadracci, founder of Quad/Graphics, offered the ironclad rule "Never hire anyone you don't like," explaining that dislike often stems from distrust. Cesar Ritz advised "Never say no when a client asks for something, even if it is the moon," establishing a service standard that made his hotels synonymous with luxury. Investment advice appears from Howard Ruff, who warns "Never invest in a one-man gang," emphasizing the importance of balanced leadership teams. He also cautions "Never invest without an exit strategy" and "Never invest in a 'good idea' that is for everyone." Management wisdom comes from Alfred P. Sloan who advised "Never inject a man into the top, if it can be avoided," promoting internal promotion to develop loyalty and talent. Brad Tonini reminds male professionals that "ties are the number one accessory for a guy in business," while also cautioning to "Never assume anything." Negotiation guidance is provided by Brian Tracy: "Never accept the first offer" but also "Never reject an offer out of hand." Tracy offers additional business principles including "Never make excuses" and "Never let yourself be rushed into parting with money." Jane Trahey warns "Never dump a good idea on a conference table. It will belong to the conference." Jack Welch shares his cardinal rule: "Never allow anyone to get between you and your customers or your suppliers." Wesley Wiksell advises "Never instruct, correct, or reprimand employees in a sarcastic manner." These business neverisms demonstrate how success in commerce often depends on knowing what not to do as much as what to do. They emphasize the importance of integrity, relationship-building, and strategic thinking-principles that remain relevant despite changing business landscapes. As Harvey Mackay learned from his father's banister lesson: "Never trust anyone in business; not even your own father"-a harsh but memorable reminder about maintaining professional boundaries.

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Chapter 13

The Paradox of Contradiction: When "Never" Contradicts Itself

Oxymoronic and paradoxical neverisms contain self-contradictions yet reveal deeper truths. The classic example is "Never answer an anonymous letter"-a statement that contains an inherent impossibility yet makes perfect sense. Similarly, W.C. Fields advised "never take advice from anybody" and George Bernard Shaw wrote "NEVER TAKE ANYBODY'S ADVICE"-both demonstrating self-contradictory wisdom that forces us to think more deeply. The saying "Never say never" has been popularized in modern culture and attributed to Gloria Swanson, who noted that "Never is a long, undependable time." This meta-neverism reminds us that absolute statements often contain their own limitations. Nobel laureates contributed intellectual paradoxes like Niels Bohr's "Never express yourself more clearly than you are able to think" and Paul Dirac's "Never believe an observation until it has been proven by theory." Dave Barry offered the ironic "Never be discreet at the office" about affairs, while Yogi Berra inadvertently created a paradox with "Never answer an anonymous letter." Other notable contradictions include Josh Billings' practical "Never work before breakfast; if you have to work before breakfast, get your breakfast first," David Burns' psychological insight "Never give up your right to be wrong," and George Carlin's satirical "Never give up on an idea simply because it is bad and doesn't work." Claud Cockburn cynically advised "Never believe anything until it has been officially denied," Stephen Colbert humorously suggested "Never leave the house without an umbrella... or with one," and Samuel Goldwyn famously stated "Never make forecasts, especially about the future." These paradoxical neverisms challenge our thinking by containing their own contradictions. They remind us that wisdom isn't always straightforward and that sometimes understanding requires embracing apparent contradictions. As Gore Vidal's grandfather advised: "Never have children, only grandchildren"-a statement that makes no literal sense but contains a profound truth about the joys of skipping the difficult parenting years.

Chapter 14

Beyond Literal Meaning: The Power of Metaphorical Neverisms

Metaphorical neverisms communicate on two levels simultaneously, using concrete images to convey abstract principles. English proverbs like "Never put your hand into a wasp's nest," "Never foul your own nest," and "Never make two bites of a cherry" use familiar objects to illustrate broader life lessons. International proverbs extend this tradition: the Irish "Never burn a penny candle looking for a half-penny," the Russian "Never bray at an ass," and the Spanish "Never offer your hen for sale on a rainy day." Ruth Renkel reminds us that we should "Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining nearby"-transforming a physical observation into psychological reassurance. Robert Schuller advises "Never cut a tree down in the wintertime" and "Never make a negative decision in the low time," using seasonal metaphors to counsel patience and perspective. Patti Smith poetically urges us to "Never let go of the fiery sadness called desire," while Publilius Syrus warns "Never thrust your own sickle into another's corn"-an agricultural metaphor for respecting others' domain. Harriet Tubman's stark "Never wound a snake; kill it" uses animal imagery to advise decisive action against enemies, while Ludwig Wittgenstein playfully suggests "Never stay up on the barren heights of cleverness, but come down into the green valleys of silliness." Zig Ziglar warns against committing "the sin of the desert"-knowing where the water is but not sharing the information-using landscape imagery to illustrate the moral imperative of sharing vital knowledge. These metaphorical neverisms demonstrate how concrete imagery can make abstract principles more memorable and impactful. By connecting unfamiliar concepts to familiar objects and experiences, they bridge the gap between intellectual understanding and practical application. The metaphorical language creates mental pictures that stay with us long after the specific words have faded, ensuring that the wisdom they contain continues to guide our actions.

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Chapter 15

The Writer's Craft: Literary Neverisms for Clear Communication

Literary neverisms have shaped how we approach writing and communication. Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.'s 1867 advice to Harvard medical students to "never use a long word where a short one would answer the purpose" compared professors who "ligate" arteries to surgeons who simply "tie" them. This principle became formalized in George Orwell's influential 1946 essay "Politics and the English Language," which presented six rules of writing-four expressed as neverisms, including the titular advice. Orwell argued that sloppy thinking and bad writing mutually reinforce each other. Outdated writing rules like "never end a sentence with a preposition" (which Churchill famously mocked) and "never begin a sentence with 'but'" (which William Zinsser rejected) demonstrate how literary neverisms evolve over time. Modern practical advice includes "never trust a spell checker" and "never say 'in my book' in interviews." Elmore Leonard advises "Never use a verb other than 'said' to carry dialogue," explaining that "the line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in." C.S. Lewis warns "Never exaggerate. Never say more than you really mean," while Gordon Lish counters with "Never be sincere-sincerity is the death of writing." Paul Raymond Martin offers practical advice: "Never give away a copy of your book to anyone who might buy it-except maybe your mother," along with other writing tips like "Never submit a story still damp with inspiration." David McKenna cautions "Never ask anyone, 'Have you read my book?'" while James Michener embraces the tradition that "a writer never complains, never explains and never disdains." Mario Puzo offers several rules including "Never let a domestic quarrel ruin a day's writing" and "Never write in the first person." John Steinbeck advises to "Write freely and as rapidly as possible" and "Never correct or rewrite until the whole thing is down." Strunk and White warn "Never tack -ize on to a noun to create a verb" and "Never imitate consciously." These literary neverisms remind us that effective writing often depends more on what we avoid than what we include. By eliminating unnecessary complexity, excessive explanation, and artificial constructions, we create space for clarity and authentic expression. As William Zinsser advised: "Never say anything in writing that you wouldn't comfortably say in conversation"-a principle that keeps writing grounded in human communication rather than academic pretension.

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Key Themes in the Neverisms Summary

cautionary wisdom
aphoristic advice
negative commands
wit and humor
philosophical warnings

Best Quotes from the Neverisms Summary

Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity.
Never lose a holy curiosity.
Never let a crisis go to waste.

Characters in the Neverisms Summary

Mardy GrotheAuthor and collector of cautionary quotations
Dave BarryPulitzer Prize-winning humorist
Erma BombeckNationally syndicated humor columnist
Marlene DietrichActress who adopted a neverism as her philosophy

About the Author

Dr. Mardy Grothe, psychologist and acclaimed quotation expert, merges decades of literary analysis with clinical insight in Neverisms: A Quotation Lover’s Guide to Things You Should Never Do, Never Say, or Never Forget.

A pioneer in blending psychology with business consulting, Grothe gained recognition through a landmark 1984 Inc. magazine feature for his innovative "business therapy" approach.

His nine books on language—including Oxymoronica (2004), I Never Metaphor I Didn’t Like (2008), and Ifferisms (2009)—explore wit, wordplay, and rhetorical devices, establishing him as a leading voice in quotation studies. A Columbia University PhD graduate, Grothe has delivered over 500 leadership seminars for executive networks like Vistage and curated Dr. Mardy’s Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations, the world’s largest online repository of metaphorical quotes.

His works, celebrated for blending scholarly rigor with accessible humor, are frequently cited by writers, speakers, and educators. Neverisms continues his tradition of transforming linguistic curiosities into thought-provoking collections, featuring over 2,000 adages from history’s greatest minds.

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Neverisms Summary

Neverisms Summary Overview

Explore the Neverisms Summary in Different Learning Styles

The Wisdom of What Not to Do: A Journey Through History's Greatest Warnings

The Lighter Side of Wisdom: Wit and Humor in Neverisms

See every word as you hear it

Words to Live By: The Philosophical Power of "Never"

The Art of Advice: When and How to Offer Guidance

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Timeless Wisdom: Classic Neverisms That Shaped History

The Power of Underestimation: Warnings About Overlooking Potential

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Trust Issues: When Skepticism Becomes Wisdom

The Power of Persistence: Multiplying "Never" for Emphasis

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The Paradox of Contradiction: When "Never" Contradicts Itself

Beyond Literal Meaning: The Power of Metaphorical Neverisms

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The Writer's Craft: Literary Neverisms for Clear Communication

You made it to the end of the Neverisms Summary

Key Themes in the Neverisms Summary

Best Quotes from the Neverisms Summary

Characters in the Neverisms Summary

About the Author

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Discover more

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of Curious Minds

Explore the Neverisms Summary in Different Learning Styles

The Wisdom of What Not to Do: A Journey Through History's Greatest Warnings

The Lighter Side of Wisdom: Wit and Humor in Neverisms

See every word as you hear it

Words to Live By: The Philosophical Power of "Never"

The Art of Advice: When and How to Offer Guidance

Get more out of the Neverisms Summary

Timeless Wisdom: Classic Neverisms That Shaped History

The Power of Underestimation: Warnings About Overlooking Potential

See every word as you hear it

Trust Issues: When Skepticism Becomes Wisdom

The Power of Persistence: Multiplying "Never" for Emphasis

Get more out of the Neverisms Summary

The Art of Human Connection: Relationship Wisdom Through Neverisms

The Unwritten Rules: Superstitions and Traditions in Sports

See every word as you hear it

Navigating Power: Political Wisdom in Neverism Form

The Business of Success: Management Wisdom Through Neverisms

Get more out of the Neverisms Summary

The Paradox of Contradiction: When "Never" Contradicts Itself

Beyond Literal Meaning: The Power of Metaphorical Neverisms

See every word as you hear it

The Writer's Craft: Literary Neverisms for Clear Communication

You made it to the end of the Neverisms Summary

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