Quote#Nature
"The dying does not amount to much," he [Zog the Sea Monster] said;…
Quote byL. Frank Baum · 1856–1919
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Sea Fairies (1911).
English (original)
"The dying does not amount to much," he [Zog the Sea Monster] said; "it is the thinking about it that hurts you mortals most. I've watched many a shipwreck at sea, and the people would howl and scream for hours before the ship broke up. Their terror was very enjoyable. But when the end came they all drowned as peacefully as if they were going to sleep, so it didn't amuse me at all."
— L. Frank Baum
More from L. Frank Baum
Some of my youthful readers are developing wonderful imaginations. This pleases me.
It is a callous age; we have seen so many marvels that we are ashamed to marvel more; the seven wonders of the world have become seven thousand wonders.
When I was young I longed to write a great novel that should win me fame. Now that I am getting old my first book is written to amuse children.
Now we can cross the Shifting Sands.
I have learned to regard fame as a will-o-the-wisp which, when caught, is not worth the possession; but to please a child is a sweet and lovely thing that warms one's heart and brings its own reward.
I believe that dreams — day dreams, you know, with your eyes wide open and your brain machinery whizzing — are likely to lead to the betterment of the world.