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As in geometry, the oblique must be known, as well as the right; and in arithmetic, the odd as well as the even; so in actions of life, who seeth not the filthiness of evil, wanteth a great foil to perceive the beauty of virtue.

— Philip Sidney

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More quotes by Philip Sidney

A fair woman shall not only command without authority but persuade without speaking.

The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia (1580)

They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts.

The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia (1580)

High-erected thoughts seated in the heart of courtesy.

The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia (1580)

And thou my minde aspire to higher things;
Grow rich in that which never taketh rust.

With a tale forsooth he cometh unto you, with a tale which holdeth children from play, and old men from the chimney corner.

An Apology of Poetry, or The Defence of Poesy (1595)

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