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Concerning the utility of Rhetoric, it is to be observed that it divides itself into two; first, whether Oratorical skill be, on the whole, a public benefit, or evil; and secondly, whether any artificial system of Rules is conducive to the attainment of that skill.

— Richard Whately Elements of Rhetoric (1828)

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More quotes by Richard Whately

It is a folly to expect men to do all that they may reasonably be expected to do.

He that is not aware of his ignorance, will be only misled by his knowledge.

Thoughts and Apophthegms from the Writings of Archbishop Whately (1856)

"Honesty is the best policy;" but he who acts on that principle is not an honest man.

Correct use is not founded on Grammar, but Grammar on correct use.

Elements of Rhetoric (1828)

A benevolent disposition is, no doubt, a great help towards a course of uniform practical benevolence; but let no one trust to it, when there are other strong propensities, and no firm good principle.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Richard Whately (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.