To this end, nothing is to be more carefully consulted than plainness. In a lady’s attire this is the single excellence; for to be what some people call fine, is the same vice, in that case, as to be florid is in writing or speaking.
JOSEPH ADDISONReading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body. As by the one, health is preserved, strengthened, and invigorated: by the other, virtue (which is the health of the mind) is kept alive, cherished, and confirmed.
More Joseph Addison Quotes
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What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.
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Our delight in any particular study, art, or science rises and improves in proportion to the application which we bestow upon it. Thus, what was at first an exercise becomes at length an entertainment.
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It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.
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It is ridiculous for any man to criticize on the works of another, who has not distinguished himself by his own performances.
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Honor’s a fine imaginary notion, that draws in raw and unexperienced men to real mischiefs.
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What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the human soul.
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There is noting truly valuable which can be purchased without pains and labor. The gods have set a price upon every real and noble pleasure.
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When a woman comes to her class, she does not employ her time in making herself look more advantageously what she really is, but endeavours to be as much another creature as she possibly can.
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The most skillful flattery is to let a person talk on, and be a listener.
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Nothing is more gratifying to the mind of man than power or dominion.
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Honour’s a sacred tie, the law of kings, The noble mind’s distinguishing perfection
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There is not any present moment that is unconnected with some future one. The life of every man is a continued chain of incidents, each link of which hangs upon the former.
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I shall endeavor to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality.
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I never knew an early-rising, hard-working, prudent man, careful of his earnings and strictly honest, who complained of hard luck.
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If men of eminence are exposed to censure on one hand, they are as much liable to flattery on the other. If they receive reproaches which are not due to them, they likewise receive praises which they do not deserve.
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The utmost extent of man’s knowledge, is to know that he knows nothing.
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One of the most important but one of the most difficult things for a powerful mind is to be its own master.
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A man who has any relish for fine writing either discovers new beauties or receives stronger impressions from the masterly strokes of a great author every time he peruses him; besides that he naturally wears himself into the same manner of speaking and thinking.
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The transition from cause to effect, from event to event, is often carried on by secret steps, which our foresight cannot divine, and our sagacity is unable to trace.
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We are growing serious, and, let me tell you, that’s the very next step to being dull.
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A good character, good habits and iron industry are impregnable to the assaults of all ill-luck that fools ever dreamed.
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An evil intention perverts the best actions, and makes them sins.
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Hung it on each side with curious organs of sense, given it airs and graces that cannot be described, and surrounded it with such a flowing shade of hair as sets all its beauties in the most agreeable light.
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A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world; and if in the present life his happiness arises from the subduing of his desires, it will arise in the next from the gratification of them.
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There is nothing more requisite in business than despatch.
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Riches expose a man to pride and luxury, and a foolish elation of heart.
JOSEPH ADDISON