You can lead a w h o r e to culture but you can't make her think

Posted by Hook on March 26, 2003

Attributed to Dorothy Parker, but is an obvious paraphrase of, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."
Does anyone have an origin for the latter phrase? It means, I think, vainly attempting to help someone.

• You can lead a horse to water... ESC 03/27/03
  • Horticulture Woodchuck 03/27/03