The Little Friend

The slenderest knowledge that may be obtained of the highest things is more desirable than the most certain knowledge obtained of lesser things.

—SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

SUMMA THEOLOGICA I, 1, 5 AD 1

——

Ladies and gentlemen, I am now locked up in a handcuff that has taken a British mechanic five years to make. I do not know whether I am going to get out of it or not, but I can assure you I am going to do my best.

—HARRY HOUDINI, LONDON HIPPODROME,

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY, 1904