There are certain common privileges of a writer, the benefit…

There are certain common privileges of a writer, the benefit whereof, I hope, there will be no reason to doubt; particularly, that where I am not understood, it shall be concluded, that something very useful and profound is couched underneath; and again, that whatever word or sentence is printed in a different character, shall be judged to contain something extraordinary either or wit of sublime.”

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A Tale of a Tub , Preface (1704)

Other Jonathan Swift Quotes

Hobbes clearly proves that every creature
Lives in a state of war by nature. - View Quote Details on Hobbes clearly proves that every creature
Lives in a state of…
So weak thou art, that fools thy power despise;
And yet so strong, thou triumph’st o’er the wise. - View Quote Details on So weak thou art, that fools thy power despise;
And yet…
What they do in heaven we are ignorant of; what they do not we are told expressly: that they neither marry, nor are given in marriage. - View Quote Details on What they do in heaven we are ignorant of; what…
A set of phrases learnt by rote;
A passion for a scarlet coat;
When at a play to laugh, or cry,
Yet cannot tell the reason why:
Never to hold her tongue a minute;
While all she prates has nothing in it. - View Quote Details on A set of phrases learnt by rote;
A passion for a…
The latter part of a wise person’s life is occupied with curing the follies, prejudices and false opinions they contracted earlier.” - View Quote Details on The latter part of a wise person’s life is occupied…
And he gave it for his opinion, that whosoever could make two ears of corn or two blades of grass to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together. - View Quote Details on And he gave it for his opinion, that whosoever could…
Yet malice never was his aim;
He lashed the vice but spared the name.
No individual could resent,
Where thousands equally were meant.
His satire points at no defect
But what all mortals may correct;
For he abhorred that senseless tribe
Who call it humor when they gibe. - View Quote Details on Yet malice never was his aim;
He lashed the vice but…
She watches him, as a cat would watch a mouse. - View Quote Details on She watches him, as a cat would watch a mouse.
She pays him in his own coin. - View Quote Details on She pays him in his own coin.
As love without esteem is volatile and capricious; esteem without love is languid and cold. - View Quote Details on As love without esteem is volatile and capricious; esteem without…