“If a certain department of knowledge specially attracts a man, let him study that, and study it because it attracts him.”

Encouraging intellectual curiosity rather than externally imposed usefulness · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892

• Choice
• Individuality
• Learning

“After all, men have been known to complete their pilgrimage through this vale of tears without taking shares in a joint-stock company.”

Using deadpan humour to ridicule exaggerated claims for practical education · Introductory Lecture, University College London, 1892

• Education
• Humour
• Life

“My heart always warms to people who do not come to see me, especially Americans, to whom it seems to be more of an effort.”

A classic expression of Housman's dry and antisocial humour · Letter to Neilson Abeel, 4 October 1935

• Humour
• Privacy
• Solitude