Argument, as usually managed, is the worst sort of conversation, as in books it is generally the worst sort of reading.

Quote by Jonathan Swift

Topics: Books Quotes

The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting...

The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting...

A nice man is a man of nasty ideas.

A nice man is a man of nasty ideas.

Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break...

Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break...

Good manners is the art of making those people easy with whom we converse. Whoever...

Good manners is the art of making those people easy with whom we converse. Whoever...

Whoever makes two ears of corn, or two blades of grass to grow where only...

Whoever makes two ears of corn, or two blades of grass to grow where only...

Don't set your wit against a child.

Don't set your wit against a child.

Your notions of friendship are new to me; I believe every man is born with...

Your notions of friendship are new to me; I believe every man is born with...

Invention is the talent of youth, as judgment is of age.

Invention is the talent of youth, as judgment is of age.

A lie is an excuse guarded

A lie is an excuse guarded

Where there are large powers with little ambition... nature may be said to have fallen...

Where there are large powers with little ambition... nature may be said to have fallen...

For in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition...

For in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition...

My nose itched, and I knew I should drink wine or kiss a fool.

My nose itched, and I knew I should drink wine or kiss a fool.

Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.

Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.

If Heaven had looked upon riches to be a valuable thing, it would not have...

If Heaven had looked upon riches to be a valuable thing, it would not have...

Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their...

Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their...

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem

Positiveness is a good quality for preachers and speakers because, whoever shares his thoughts with...

Positiveness is a good quality for preachers and speakers because, whoever shares his thoughts with...

For in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition...

For in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition...

The difference in golf and government is that in golf you can't improve your lie.

The difference in golf and government is that in golf you can't improve your lie.

When more of the people's sustenance is exacted through the form of taxation than is...

When more of the people's sustenance is exacted through the form of taxation than is...