Quotes from L. Frank Baum

It was a lonely life to lead, for I had nothing to think of, having been made such a little while before.

But to become civilized means to dress as elaborately and prettily as possible, and to make a show of your clothes so your neighbors will envy you, and for that reason both civilized foxes and civilized humans spend most of their time dressing themselves.

It was a terrible thing to do undergo, but during the year I stood there I had time to think that the greatest loss I had known was the loss of my heart.

You have; and I've restrained a good many of them," replied the insect. "But there are opportunities for so many excellent puns in our language that, to an educated person like myself, the temptation to express them is almost irresistible.

That proves you are unusual, returned the Scarecrow. and I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed. Spoken

If you are feeling blue, don't forget to breathe

Brains are the only things worth having in this world, no matter whether one is a crow or a man.

No one knows that, except the person who's writing this story, said Shaggy. But we won't find anything—not even supper—unless we travel on. Here's a path. Let's take it and see where it leads to.

But I do not wish to fight, declared Ozma, firmly. No one has the right to destroy any living creatures, however evil they may be, or to hurt them or make them unhappy.

But nobody can stay alive without getting into danger sometimes, and danger doesn't mean getting hurt, Cap'n; it only means we might get hurt. So I guess we'll have to take the risk.

What do you know? Well, that is hard to tell, replied Jack. For although I feel that I know a tremendous lot, I am not yet aware how much there is in the world to find out about. It will take me a little time to discover whether I am very wise or very foolish.

But in the course of my wanderings I had the good fortune to save the ninth life of a tailor -- tailors having, like cats, nine lives, as you probably know.

The only way to do a thing Is do it when you can, And do it cheerfully, and sing And work and think and plan. The only real unhappy one Is he who dares to shirk; The only really happy one Is he who cares to work.

That's all right, said the Scarecrow. You are quite welcome to take my head off, as long as it will be a better one when you put it on again.

she clapped the heels of her shoes together three times, saying: Take me home to Aunt Em! Instantly

It's the finest country in all the world, even if it is a fairyland, and I'm happy every minute I live in it, said the Shaggy Man.

since no thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire.

Everyone loved her, but her greatest sorrow was that she could find no one to love in return, since all the men were much too stupid and ugly to mate with one so beautiful and wise.

You've always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.

Why, I'm not afraid to go anywhere, if the Cowardly Lion is with me, she said. I know him pretty well, and so I can trust him. He's always afraid, when we get into trouble, and that's why he's cowardly; but he's a terrible fighter, and that's why he isn't a coward. He doesn't like to fight, you know, but when he HAS to, there isn't any beast living that can conquer him.

The Tin Woodman knew very well he had no heart, and therefore he took great care never to be cruel or unkind to anything. You people with hearts, he said, have something to guide you, and need never do wrong; but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful. When Oz gives me a heart of course I needn't mind so much.

nor the dog she carries in her arms. Your power over our band is now ended, and you will never see us again. Then all the Winged Monkeys, with much laughing and chattering and noise

You'll be sorry for treating me this way, whined the Wheeler. I'm a terribly fierce person.

Thereafter he walked very carefully, with his eyes on the road, and when he saw a tiny ant toiling by he would step over it, so as not to harm it. The Tin Woodman knew very well he had no heart, and therefore he took great care never to be cruel or unkind to anything. You people with hearts, he said, have something to guide you, and need never do wrong; but I have no heart, and so I must be very careful. When Oz gives me a heart of course I needn't mind so much.