Who said “A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.”?

Verified

W. H. Auden. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceUsed by Auden in 1940 (Columbia University Press newsletter, 15 April 1940); the joke itself is older

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Used by Auden in 1940 (Columbia University Press newsletter, 15 April 1940); the joke itself is older.

APA

Auden, W. H. (n.d.). A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27826-a-professor-is-one-who-talks-in-someone/

MLA

Auden, W. H. “A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27826-a-professor-is-one-who-talks-in-someone/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Auden, W. H. “A professor is one who talks in someone else's sleep.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27826-a-professor-is-one-who-talks-in-someone/.

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