Quote#Art
As I understand it, your policemen are chosen by their height and…
Quote byS. S. Van Dine · 1888–1939
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Benson Murder Case (1926), Ch 25.
English (original)
As I understand it, your policemen are chosen by their height and weight; they must meet certain requirements as to heft—as thought the only crimes they had to cope with were riots and gang feuds. Bulk—the great American ideal, whether in art, architecture, table d‘hôte meals, or detectives. An entrancin‘ notion.
— S. S. Van Dine
More from S. S. Van Dine
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Anyway, you know full well I never wear boutonnieres. The decoration has fallen into disrepute. The only remaining devotees of the practice are roués and saxophone players.
He spent considerable time at his clubs; his favorite was the Stuyvesant, because, as he explained to me, its membership was drawn largely from the political and commercial ranks, and he was never drawn into a discussion which required any …
“Good God!” he mummered. “I don‘t know what to believe.” “In that respect,” returned Vance, “you‘re in the same disheartenin‘ predic‘ment as all the philosophers.”
Only, as long as we‘re going insane we may as well go the whole way. A mere shred of sanity is of no value.