I never read a book before previewing it; it prejudices a man so.

Quote by Sydney Smith

Topics: Sydney Smith Quotes

I have, alas, only one illusion left, and that is the Archbishop of Canterbury.

I have, alas, only one illusion left, and that is the Archbishop of Canterbury.

No furniture is so charming as books.

No furniture is so charming as books.

A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and...

A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and...

Man could direct his ways by plain reason, and support his life by tasteless food,...

Man could direct his ways by plain reason, and support his life by tasteless food,...

Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for...

Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for...

To do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and...

To do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and...

To business that we love we rise bedtime, and go to't with delight.

To business that we love we rise bedtime, and go to't with delight.

Live always in the best company when you read.

Live always in the best company when you read.

I never read a book before reviewing it - it prejudices a man so

I never read a book before reviewing it - it prejudices a man so

Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities...

Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities...

Great men hallow a whole people, and lift up all who live in their time.

Great men hallow a whole people, and lift up all who live in their time.

Mankind are always happy for having been happy; so that, if you make them happy...

Mankind are always happy for having been happy; so that, if you make them happy...

Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be...

Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be...

What a pity it is that we have no amusements in England but vice and...

What a pity it is that we have no amusements in England but vice and...

Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities...

Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities...

Solitude cherishes great virtues and destroys little ones.

Solitude cherishes great virtues and destroys little ones.

Poverty us no disgrace to a man, but it is confoundedly inconvenient.

Poverty us no disgrace to a man, but it is confoundedly inconvenient.

As the French say, there are three sexes - men, women, and clergymen.

As the French say, there are three sexes - men, women, and clergymen.

Heaven never helps the men who will not act.

Heaven never helps the men who will not act.

Find fault when you must find fault in private, and if possible sometime after the...

Find fault when you must find fault in private, and if possible sometime after the...