Quote of the Week: PJ O’Rourke
“There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences.”
― P.J. O’Rourke
Today I’m mourning my very first favorite writer, and a big influence, who died yesterday at 74. P.J. O’Rourke was one of the first brilliant editors of The National Lampoon, where he made a big name by making fun of … well, everything and everyone. He went on to write for “The Rolling Stone” (back when it was readable), and wrote some awesomely hysterical books including “Holidays in Hell” and “Give War a Chance.” He was a genius at poking holes in the insufferably self-important, something damn near every physician has been guilty of at some point, and never has modern medicine needed him so much. R.I.P.
PJ wrote what I have found to be true about American politics. I think it was him who came up with the phrase, “If you think healthcare is expensive now just wait until it’s free.” Parliament of Whores is a better guide to government than any civics text and a lot more fun to read.
My age group…couldn’t see the fine print! Amen, Pat!
Amen, Doug! I’ll miss him from “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” on NPR where he was on the panel too infrequently. At least I have my old issues of National Lampoon and his books to re-read. It’s tough to watch people in my age group leave us!
Thanks but this is from Pat Conrad, MD