quotations about accidents
To what a fortuitous concurrence do we not owe every pleasure and convenience of our lives.
OLIVER GOLDSMITH
Vicar of Wakefield
After being bombarded endlessly by road-safety propaganda it was almost a relief to find myself in an actual accident.
J.G. BALLARD
Crash
Tried so hard to find a voice inside me
But nothing's like the ones I heard inspire me
All the words I thought I'd find I haven't
I'm waiting for an accident to happen
ARCO
"Accident"
I could be your greatest accident
I could be the blood on your fingertips
Nothing's wrong
Nothing to regret
Just want to breathe you in
OUR LADY PEACE
"If This Is It"
So if you fall in just that way, oh wouldn't I be thrilled to hear you say
I had a lovely accident today.
Your eyes may glow, I'm sure I'll know.
FRANK SINATRA
"Accidents Will Happen"
You said we were an accident
With accidents you never know what could have been
So we were an accident
You'll always be my favorite one
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK
"My Favorite Accident"
Well maybe I could make it look like an accident
Wouldn't that be nice?
Maybe I could make it look like an accident
Nobody'd look in twice
RA RA RIOT
"An Accident"
Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents by flood and field.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Othello
There are no such things as accidents. Only fate redesigned.
SOROOSH SHAHRIVAR
The Rise of Shams
We do not suffer by accident.
JANE AUSTEN
Pride and Prejudice
Emily detested the inevitable rundown of accidents and tragedies, the more fortunate clucking their tongues and counting their blessings, all the while knowing it was just a matter of time.
STEWART O'NAN
Emily, Alone
Watching the painter painting
And all the time, the light is changing
And he keeps painting
That bit there, it was an accident
But he's so pleased
KATE BUSH
"An Architect's Dream"
Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, often violently, just like love.
ANDREW DAVIDSON
The Gargoyle
No furtive light came from their involute
Abode, but there they were, aloof and mute,
Playing a game of worlds, promoting pawns
To ivory unicorns and ebon fauns;
Kindling a long life here, extinguishing
A short one there; killing a Balkan king;
Causing a chunk of ice formed on a high-
Flying airplane to plummet from the sky
And strike a farmer dead; hiding my keys,
Glasses or pipe.
Coordinating these
Events and objects with remote events
And vanished objects. Making ornaments
Of accidents and possibilities.
VLADIMIR NABOKOV
Pale Fire
When things go well for days on end, it is an hilarious accident.
KURT VONNEGUT
Letters
At first laying down, as a fact fundamental,
That nothing with God can be accidental.
HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW
The Golden Legend
Some people drive as if they were anxious to have their accident quickly and get it over with.
EVAN ESAR
20,000 Quips & Quotes
The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of his circumstances, like a skilful general who marshals his limited forces with all the strategy of war.
ARISTOTLE
attributed, The Story of Philosophy
We turn the most indifferent circumstances into misfortune, and suffer as much from trifling accidents as real evils.
JOSEPH ADDISON
attributed, Day's Collacon
We are accidents waiting
Waiting to happen
RADIOHEAD
"There, There"