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 ADDISONOur disputants put me in mind of the cuttlefish that, when he is unable to extricate himself, blackens the water about him till he becomes invisible.
More Joseph Addison Quotes
-
-
Riches expose a man to pride and luxury, and a foolish elation of heart.
JOSEPH 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 ADDISON -
There is no virtue so truly great and godlike as justice.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
True happiness arises, in the first place, from the enjoyment of one’s self, and in the next, from the friendship and conversation of a few select companions.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
A person may be qualified to do greater good to mankind and become more beneficial to the world, by morality without faith than by faith without morality.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Wit is the fetching of congruity out of incongruity.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.
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 -
I am wonderfully pleased when I meet with any passage in an old Greek or Latin author, that is not blown upon, and which I have never met with in any quotation.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Temperance gives nature her full play, and enables her to exert herself in all her force and vigor.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Mankind are more indebted to industry than ingenuity; the gods set up their favors at a price, and industry is the purchaser.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Jesters do often prove prophets.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
The voice of reason is more to be regarded than the bent of any present inclination; since inclination will at length come over to reason, though we can never force reason to comply with inclination.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
Misery and ignorance are always the cause of great evils. Misery is easily excited to anger, and ignorance soon yields to perfidious counsels.
JOSEPH ADDISON -
There are infinite reveries, numberless extravagances, and a perpetual train of vanities which pass through both.
JOSEPH ADDISON






