JOSEPH ADDISON QUOTES III

English essayist, poet & playwright (1672-1719)

To be exempt from the passions with which others are tormented, is the only pleasing solitude.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator, Mar. 5, 1711

Tags: passion, solitude


It is a melancholy consideration that there should be several among us so hardened and deluded as to think an oath a proper subject for a jest; and to make this, which is one of the most solemn acts of religion, an occasion of mirth. Yet such is the depravation of our manners at present, that nothing is more frequent than to hear profligate men ridiculing, to the best of their abilities, these sacred pledges of their duty and allegiance; and endeavouring to be witty upon themselves, for daring to prevaricate with God and man.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Freeholder, Jan. 9, 1716


'Tis pride, rank pride, and haughtiness of soul:
I think the Romans call it Stoicism.

JOSEPH ADDISON

Cato

Tags: pride


There is no virtue so truly great and godlike as justice.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Guardian, Jul. 4, 1713

Tags: justice


When all thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view I'm lost,
In wonder, love and praise.

JOSEPH ADDISON

Hymn

Tags: mercy


The spacious firmament on nigh,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.
Forever singing, as they shine,
The hand that made us is divine.

JOSEPH ADDISON

Ode: The Spacious Firmament on High

Tags: stars


The most violent appetites in all creatures are lust and hunger: the first is a perpetual call upon them to propagate their kind; the latter to preserve themselves.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator, Jul. 18, 1711

Tags: lust, hunger


The greatest reformation should be among those who have been the greatest sinners.

JOSEPH ADDISON

attributed, Day's Collacon

Tags: reform


Modesty is not only an ornament, but also a guard to virtue.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator, Nov. 24, 1711

Tags: modesty, virtue


Men of warm imaginations and towering thoughts are apt to overlook the goods of fortune which are near them, for something that glitters in the sight at a distance; to neglect solid and substantial happiness for what is showy and superficial; and to contemn that good which lies within their reach, for that which they are not capable of attaining. Hope calculates its schemes for a long and durable life; presses forward to imaginary points of bliss; grasps at impossibilities; and consequently very often ensnares men into beggary, ruin, and dishonour.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator, Nov. 13, 1712

Tags: hope, imagination


Exercise ferments the humors, casts them into their proper channels, throws off redundancies, and helps nature in those secret distributions, without which the body cannot subsist in its vigor, nor the soul act with cheerfulness.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator, Jul. 12, 1711

Tags: exercise


Nature does nothing without purpose or uselessly.

JOSEPH ADDISON

Cato

Tags: nature


It is an unspeakable advantage to possess our minds with an habitual good intention, and to aim all our thoughts, words, and actions, at some laudable end.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator: In Eight Volumes, Volume 3

Tags: intentions


Thy father's merit sets thee up to view,
And shows thee in the fairest point of light,
To make thy virtues, or thy faults, conspicuous.

JOSEPH ADDISON

Cato

Tags: merit


From theme to theme with secret pleasure tossed,
Amidst the soft variety I'm lost.

JOSEPH ADDISON

Poems on Several Occasions

Tags: variety


For how few ambitious men are there, who have got as much fame as they desired, and whose thirst after it has not been as eager in the very height of their reputation, as it was before they became known and eminent among men?

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator, No. 256

Tags: ambition


A common civility to an impertinent fellow, often draws upon one a great many unforeseen troubles; and if one doth not take particular care, will be interpreted by him as an overture of friendship and intimacy.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Tatler, Apr. 18, 1710


Poverty palls the most generous spirits; it cows industry, and casts resolution itself into despair.

JOSEPH ADDISON

attributed, Day's Collacon

Tags: poverty


When I consider the question, whether there are such persons in the world as those we call witches? my mind is divided between the two opposite opinions; or rather (to speak my thoughts freely) I believe in general that there is, and has been such a thing as witchcraft; but at the same time can give no credit to any particular instance of it.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator, No. 117

Tags: witchcraft


What an absurd thing it is to pass over all the valuable parts of a man, and fix our attention on his infirmities.

JOSEPH ADDISON

The Spectator, Dec. 15, 1711

Tags: faults