Latest list of quotable greats published

The latest edition of the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations was published last week, immortalising wise words from a huge variety of people from campaigners, business leaders and presidents to authors, comedians and politicians.

Newly-added quotations include Lady Gaga’s “Just trying to change the world one sequin at a time” along with the more profound “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world” from education campaigner Malala Yousafzai.  Barack Obama’s hopeful message in his inaugural address – “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist” – made the grade, as did Google chairman Eric Schmidt’s wry observation on parenting:  “If you have a child, you’ll notice they have two states: asleep or online.”  And Steve Jobs may be gone but his words live on: “It’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the navy,” which neatly sum up his maverick approach to business.

Labour chief secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne’s notorious note to his successor reading, “Dear chief secretary, I’m afraid there is no money” is included, alongside billionaire Warren Buffet’s advice that “A very rich person should leave his kids enough to do anything but not enough to do nothing.”

I was delighted to see that the brilliance of one of my favourite comedians, Jack Dee, has been recognised among the 20,000 quotations.  He makes the august tome for his pithy observation that “You’re not surfing.  You’re not.  You’re sitting in your bedroom typing.”