20th March: Henrik Ibsen

On this date in 1828 Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian playwright whose works include Ghosts and A Doll’s House, was born. Ten pearls of his wisdom:

1. A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed.
2. It is inexcusable for scientists to torture animals; let them make their experiments on journalists and politicians.
3. A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.
4. The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone.
5. Never wear your best trousers when you go out to fight for freedom and truth.
6. Look into any man's heart you please, and you will always find, in every one, at least one black spot which he has to keep concealed.
7. I don't imagine you will dispute the fact that at present the stupid people are in an absolutely overwhelming majority all the world over.
8. To live is to war with trolls.
9. How can I hold you close enough?
10. Anyone who's sold herself for somebody else once isn't going to do it again.