The only way therefore to try a Piece of Wit, is to translate it into a different Language: If it bears the Test you may pronounceit true; but if it vanishes in the Experiment you may conclude it to have been a Punn.
JOSEPH ADDISON
JOSEPH ADDISON
Joseph Addison on language
Joseph Addison134 quotes“The only way therefore to try a Piece of Wit, is to translate it into a different Language: If it bears the Test you may pronounceit true; but if it vanishes in the Experiment you may conclude it to have been a Punn.”
More from Joseph Addison
I value my garden more for being full of blackbirds than of cherries, and very frankly give them fruit for their songs.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison 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.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison He who would pass his declining years with honor and comfort, should, when young, consider that he may one day become old, and remember when he is old, that he has once been young.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison Reading 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.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison Mankind are more indebted to industry than ingenuity; the gods set up their favors at a price, and industry is the purchaser.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison There is not a more unhappy being than a superannuated idol.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison There are infinite reveries, numberless extravagances, and a perpetual train of vanities which pass through both.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison That aids and strengthens virtue where it meets her And imitates her actions where she is not: It is not to be sported with.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison Honour’s a sacred tie, the law of kings, The noble mind’s distinguishing perfection
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison Honor’s a fine imaginary notion, that draws in raw and unexperienced men to real mischiefs.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison 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.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison This not in mortals to command success, but we’ll do more, Sempronius, we’ll deserve it.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison One of the most important but one of the most difficult things for a powerful mind is to be its own master.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison In private conversation between intimate friends, the wisest men very often talk like the weakest : for indeed the talking with a friend is nothing else but thinking aloud.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison Music, the greatest good that mortals know and all of heaven we have hear below.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison Silence is sometimes more significant and sublime than the most noble and most expressive eloquence, and is on many occasions the indication of a great mind.
Joseph AddisonJoseph Addison
Original quotes
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Brad NeatonBrad Neaton Admire your sweet way of glowing; your passionate way of flowing.
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More on language
Language is the only homeland.
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A. R. RahmanA. R. Rahman There’s a melody in everything. And once you find the melody, then you connect immediately with the heart. Because sometimes English or Spanish, Swahili or any language gets in the way. But nothing penetrates the heart faster than the melody.
Carlos SantanaCarlos Santana No one gives Cameron Diaz a hard time for not speaking Spanish.
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Irrfan KhanIrrfan Khan There is nothing in philosophy which could not be said in everyday language.
Henri BergsonHenri Bergson Sloppy language leads to sloppy thought, and sloppy thought to sloppy legislation.
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