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Gary Moore on Architecturally Emblazoned Quotes (John Eipper, USA, 09/17/20 12:26 pm)

Gary Moore writes:

After Patrick Mears's gem (September 17), maybe WAIS should open a thread for architecturally emblazoned quotes.

Once in Chicago my squeeze got us invited to a gala affair at the French Consulate for Bastille Day. While she was conversing with the dignitaries, I gazed in wonder around the glittering reception hall, which had ornate cornices way up by the coffered ceiling, adorned with quotes. As my eyes began to trace distant marching letters, and the sense began to form, it was strange that right there, among the cocktail napkins and hors d'oeuvres, I was being provided with watchwords that would go with me through life. They were from the great Pasteur, who (oft slightly misquoted in English) said:

"Le hasard ne favorise que les esprits préparés."

Nor did I know until this very moment (when I decided I better double-check my half-remembered French with the great Google), that the phrase also has a first part. Pasteur was saying that the place where only minds that are prepared will be favored by coincidence and seemingly blind luck is in "the field of observation." It's a tricky vale, but has surrounded my journey.

JE comments:  Nothing like a prepared spirit!  Putting a quote in or on a building is a pretty serious commitment.  Even more so when it's chiseled in.  I like Gary Moore's suggestion:  what are some of the other Great Architectural Quotes?  (That's on architecture, not about it, but that would be OK too.)

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