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

Quote by Jonathan Swift

Topics: Jonathan Swift Quotes

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...

Reason is a very light rider, and easily shook off

Reason is a very light rider, and easily shook off

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem

Human brutes, like other beasts, find snares and poison in the provision of life, and...

Human brutes, like other beasts, find snares and poison in the provision of life, and...

The best doctors in the world are Doctor Diet, Doctor Quiet, and Doctor Merryman

The best doctors in the world are Doctor Diet, Doctor Quiet, and Doctor Merryman

I never saw, heard, nor read, that the clergy were beloved in any nation where...

I never saw, heard, nor read, that the clergy were beloved in any nation where...

When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign,...

When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign,...

It is a maxim among these lawyers, that whatever hath been done before, may legally...

It is a maxim among these lawyers, that whatever hath been done before, may legally...

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...

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...

Promises and pie-crust are made to be broken.

Promises and pie-crust are made to be broken.

Nothing is so hard for those who abound in riches as to conceive how others...

Nothing is so hard for those who abound in riches as to conceive how others...

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...

A lie is an excuse guarded

A lie is an excuse guarded

One of the best rules in conversation is, never to say a thing which any...

One of the best rules in conversation is, never to say a thing which any...

Ambition often puts men upon doing the meanest offices; so climbing is performed in the...

Ambition often puts men upon doing the meanest offices; so climbing is performed in the...

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

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

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 never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not...

I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not...

Don't set your wit against a child.

Don't set your wit against a child.