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

Every man desires to live long, but no man wishes to be old.

Every man desires to live long, but no man wishes to be old.

I wonder what fool it was that first invented kissing.

I wonder what fool it was that first invented kissing.

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...

He was a bold man that first eat on oyster.

He was a bold man that first eat on oyster.

Most sorts of diversion in men, children and other animals, are in imitation of fighting.

Most sorts of diversion in men, children and other animals, are in imitation of fighting.

Interest is the spur of the people, but glory that of great souls. Invention is...

Interest is the spur of the people, but glory that of great souls. Invention is...

The proper words in the proper places are the true definition of style.

The proper words in the proper places are the true definition of style.

We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love...

We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love...

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

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

Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all...

Nothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all...

Some men, under the notion of weeding out prejudices, eradicate virtue, honesty, and religion

Some men, under the notion of weeding out prejudices, eradicate virtue, honesty, and religion

When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the...

When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the...

Men are happy to be laughed at for their humor, but not for their folly.

Men are happy to be laughed at for their humor, but not for their folly.

Two friendships in two breasts requires The same aversions and desires.

Two friendships in two breasts requires The same aversions and desires.

Venus, a beautiful, good-natured lady, was the goddess of love; Juno, a terrible shrew, the...

Venus, a beautiful, good-natured lady, was the goddess of love; Juno, a terrible shrew, the...

Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent.

Power is no blessing in itself, except when it is used to protect the innocent.

It is impossible that anything so natural, so necessary, and so universal as death, should...

It is impossible that anything so natural, so necessary, and so universal as death, should...

The latter part of a wise person's life is occupied with curing the follies, prejudices...

The latter part of a wise person's life is occupied with curing the follies, prejudices...

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...

Censure is the tax a man pays to the public for being eminent.

Censure is the tax a man pays to the public for being eminent.