Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage reflects on the quiet relief of finishing work for the holidays: “The best part of finishing for the holidays is discovering your shoulders were carrying the year.” A thoughtful reminder of how much we hold without noticing — and how important it is to finally let it go.
Tag Archives: writing
This Day in History: 11 December 1765 — Catherine Wilks and the Printed Cotton
On 11 December 1765, Catherine Wilks was tried at the Old Bailey for stealing printed cotton from a London shop. Found guilty of grand larceny, she faced transportation, the common punishment for such thefts. Her case reveals the risks and realities of women navigating 18th-century London’s commercial world.
This Day in History: 9 December 1789 — The Case of the Missing Goods
On 9 December 1789, Thomas Davis was tried at the Old Bailey for simple larceny. The evidence failed to convince the jury, and he was found Not Guilty. This retelling highlights how even in Georgian London’s strict justice system, doubt could still outweigh suspicion.
Quote of the Day: Dining Out
Today’s Quote of the Day from The Sage highlights the true value of eating out: “The bill is forgotten by morning. The company is remembered for years.” A warm and humorous reminder that meals shared with friends are worth far more than their cost, and that good company outlasts every receipt.
Quote of the Day: Budgeting
In today’s Quote of the Day, The Sage offers a gentle take on money and self-control: “Budgeting is simply telling your future self where today’s nonsense stopped.” A humorous and thoughtful reflection on spending, restraint, and why financial wisdom is really just kindness toward the person you’ll be tomorrow.
This Day in History: 13 November 1784 — The Copper Heist in the Night
On the night of 13 November 1784, James Thomas broke into John Parleyman’s London home and stole eighty pounds of copper in a hempen sack. Tried at the Old Bailey in December, he was convicted and transported for seven years. This retelling shows how one night’s burglary became a journey to Australia.
This Day in History: 4 October 1815 — The Hunt Brothers and the Wine Cellar Plot
On 4 October 1815, servants Richard and William Hunt stole silver spoons and wine from their master’s pantry. Tried at the Old Bailey, they were transported for seven years. This lively retelling reveals the perils of temptation and the growing use of transportation in Regency-era British justice.
This Day in History: 24 October 1787 — The Alehouse Quarrel
On 24 October 1787, John Millan stood trial at the Old Bailey for the manslaughter of James Carter after an alehouse quarrel. Witnesses described a single blow and a fatal fall. The jury found him not guilty, ruling the death an accident — a glimpse of mercy in Georgian London’s rough justice.
The Wise Sage Gives His Advice of the Day: “Save on electricity — by sleeping during daylight hours!”
The Sage offers another brilliantly unhelpful tip: save electricity by sleeping through the day! In his quest for thrift and enlightenment, he suggests embracing nocturnal life to avoid daytime bills, neighbours, and responsibility alike. Enlightening, foolish, and entirely impractical — another gem of wisdom from The Sage.
This Day in History: 21 October — The Gentleman of the Road (1772)
On 21 October 1772, highwayman Henry Duffill stood trial for robbing travellers on a London road with pistol and politeness. He was tried at the Old Bailey and was sentenced to death for highway robbery. His story captures the fading glamour of England’s “gentlemen of the road.”
The Sage Page 