70 quotes
If we may believe our logicians, man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter.
The Spectator (1711)
Thus I live in the world rather as a spectator of mankind than as one of the species.
The Spectator (1711)
The Fear of Death often proves Mortal, and sets People on Methods to save their Lives, which infallibly destroy them.
The Spectator (1711)
I shall endeavor to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality.
The Spectator (1711)
Some virtues are only seen in affliction and some in prosperity.
The Spectator (1711)
Health and cheerfulness mutually beget each other.
The Spectator (1711)
Mutability of temper and inconsistency with ourselves is the greatest weakness of human nature.
The Spectator (1711)
Discretion is a perfection of reason, and a guide to us in all the duties of life.
The Spectator (1711)
Method is not less requisite in ordinary conversation than in writing, provided a man would talk to make himself understood.
The Spectator (1711)
A just and reasonable modesty does not only recommend eloquence, but sets off every great talent which a man can be possessed of.
The Spectator (1711)
Much might be said on both sides.
The Spectator (1711)
Upon the whole, a contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.
The Spectator (1711)
A woman seldom asks advice before she has bought her wedding clothes.
The Spectator (1711)
Sunday clears away the rust of the whole week.
The Spectator (1711)
The spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.
The Spectator (1711)
What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the human soul.
The Spectator (1711)
Good nature is more agreeable in conversation than wit, and gives a certain air to the countenance which is more amiable than beauty.
The Spectator (1711)
A man should always consider how much he has more than he wants.
The Spectator (1711)
A man must be excessively stupid, as well as uncharitable, who believes that there is no virtue but on his own side, and that there are not men as honest as himself who may differ from him in political principles.
The Spectator (1711)
What an absurd thing it is to pass over all the valuable parts of a man, and fix our attention on his infirmities.
The Spectator (1711)