I reflect with sorrow and astonishment on the little competitions, factions, and debates of mankind.
JOSEPH ADDISONIf we hope for what we are not likely to possess, we act and think in vain, and make life a greater dream and shadow than it really is.
More Joseph Addison Quotes
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It is not the business of virtue to extirpate the affections of the mind, but to regulate them.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Man is subject to innumerable pains and sorrows by the very condition of humanity, and yet, as if nature had not sown evils enough in life, we are continually adding grief to grief and aggravating the common calamity by our cruel treatment of one another.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
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.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Riches expose a man to pride and luxury, and a foolish elation of heart.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Evil may at some future period bring forth good; and good may bring forth evil, both equally unexpected.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend.
JOSEPH 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 ADDISON -
I shall endeavor to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
A good character, good habits and iron industry are impregnable to the assaults of all ill-luck that fools ever dreamed.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
True benevolence or compassion, extends itself through the whole of existence and sympathizes with the distress of every creature capable of sensation.
JOSEPH 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 ADDISON -
The great difference is, that the first knows how to pick and cull his thoughts for conversation, by suppressing some, and communicating others; whereas the other lets them all indifferently fly out in words.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
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.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
It is ridiculous for any man to criticize on the works of another, who has not distinguished himself by his own performances.
JOSEPH ADDISON