I was analysis a publication that used the phrase in a issue that made that seem together if it were a common saying. I looked it increase to uncover out where it originated, and also Google called me it to be from Willy Wonka. However, the publication I was analysis was indigenous 1887, long before the works of Roald Dahl, much less the Gene Wilder film. Walk anyone know where it's from?

According to wilhelm S. Walsh's "Handy publication of literary Curiosities" page 808
A well recognize couplet of unsure date and paternity asserts that
A tiny nonsense now and also then,Is relished by the wisest men.
You are watching: A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men
It appears to have been well-known to Horace Walpole, who, in a letter come Horace Mann (1774) , gives a side glance at it : "A careless track with a tiny nonsense in it now and then, does no misbecome a monarch."
The note in this book and this publication both support an cotton author and a date prior come 1774.
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· 2y · edited 2y
The earliest example of the complete quote i can discover is in a theatrical evaluation in the New York Mirror from 1823:
"A small nonsense, now and also then,
Is relished through the wisest men!"
A partial earlier quote is found in a letter indigenous Elizabeth Montagu dated (presumably) 1757:
if the loves a tiny nonsense now and then for his recreation, why I very own it a not authorised thing
Finally, ns can't stand up to quoting this rather risqué example of "a little nonsense" in the play The Courtesan (1765) through Edward Thompson:
Thee Lucy thee, who meagre smutty charms,
Diverted first the Soldier under arms,
Or if the wanted when his guard to be out,
A small nonsense on the quiet flute,
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· 2y
Edward Thompson (Royal navy officer)
Edward Thompson (c. 1738–1786) was an English imperial Navy officer who increased to the location of commodore, known likewise as a literary figure with the nickname "Poet Thompson".
< pm | exclude me | exclude from sugmusic-from-a.com | FAQ / info | resource > Downvote to eliminate | v0.28
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· 2y
i found a use from1807 that states it's a renowned quote
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· 2y
The title web page for that periodical mirrors that it's actually from 1896.
See more: Pinned: Can'T Launch Starbound Api-Ms-Win-Crt-Runtime-L1-1-0.Dll
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r/etymology
Discussing the beginnings of words and also phrases, in English or any kind of other language.
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