Jonathan SwiftThe tiny Lilliputians surmise that Gulliver's watch may be his god, because it is that which, he admits, he seldom does anything without consulting.372Reflection
Jonathan SwiftUnder this window in stormy weather I marry this man and woman together; Let none but Him who rules the thunder Put this man and woman asunder.372Reflection
Jonathan SwiftI never knew a man come to greatness or eminence who lay abed late in the morning.362Love
Jonathan SwiftA tavern is a place where madness is sold by the bottle.362Politics
Jonathan SwiftThis wine should be eaten, it is too good to be drunk. ✨ Jonathan Swift (1861). The Works of Jonathan Swift ...: With Copious Notes and Additions, and a Memoir of the Author… ▶375Philosophy
Jonathan SwiftReason is a very light rider, and easily shook off. ✨ Jonathan Swift (1800). Tale of a Tub: written for the universal improvemend of mankind, p.140364Humanity
Jonathan SwiftIt is likewise to be observed that this society hath a peculiar chant and jargon of their own, that no other mortal can understand, and wherein all their laws are written, which t… ▶375DeathHumanityPolitics
Jonathan SwiftPrincipally I hate and detest that animal called man; although I heartily love John, Peter, Thomas, and so forth. ✨ Letter to Alexander Pope, 29 Sept. 1725375Love
Jonathan SwiftMen are happy to be laughed at for their humor, but not for their folly.364Humor
Jonathan SwiftThere are few, very few, that will own themselves in a mistake. ✨ Jonathan Swift, Sir Walter Scott (1814). The Works of Jonathan Swift: Miscellaneous essays, p.214375Humor
Jonathan SwiftSatire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do generally discover everybody's face but their own. ✨ 'The Battle of the Books' (1704) preface342Reading
Jonathan SwiftLaws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through. ✨ A Critical Essay upon the Faculties of the Mind (1709) See Anacharsis 1331PoliticsThought
Jonathan SwiftAnd he gave it for his opinion, that whoever 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… ▶332HumanityPolitics
Jonathan SwiftNothing is so great an example of bad manners as flattery. If you flatter all the company, you please none; If you flatter only one or two, you offend the rest.332Time
Jonathan SwiftWe have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another. ✨ 'Thoughts on Various Subjects' (1706)365LoveThought
Jonathan SwiftWise people are never less alone than when they are alone.322Humanity
Jonathan SwiftParty is the madness of many for the gain of a few. ✨ Jonathan Swift, Sir Walter Scott (1814). The Works of Jonathan Swift: Miscellanies, by Mr. Pope, Dr. Arbuthnot, Mr. Gay… ▶344Thought
Jonathan SwiftLawyers Are: Those whose interests and abilities lie in perverting, confounding and eluding the law.366Politics
Jonathan SwiftObservation is an old man's memory. ✨ Jonathan Swift, John Hawkesworth (1755). The Works of Jonathan Swift, D.D. Dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin: Accurately Revised in Six Vol… ▶311Life
Jonathan SwiftIf Heaven had looked upon riches to be a valuable thing, it would not have given them to such a scoundrel. ✨ Letter to Miss Vanhomrigh, 12 - 13 Aug. 1720 See Luther 3; Steel… ▶322Life
Jonathan SwiftThe latter part of a wise person's life is occupied with curing the follies, prejudices and false opinions they contracted earlier.344Life
Jonathan SwiftBlot out, correct, insert, refine, enlarge, diminish, interline. Be mindful, when invention fails. To scratch your head and bite your nails. ✨ Jonathan Swift (2011). Gullive… ▶356Thought
Jonathan SwiftI have ever hated all nations, professions, and communities, and all my love is toward individuals: for instance, I hate the tribe of lawyers, but I love Counsellor Such-a-one, an… ▶367DeathLovePolitics
Jonathan SwiftFor the rest, whatever we have got has been by infinite labor, and search, and ranging through every corner of nature; the difference is that instead of dirt and poison, we have r… ▶345HumanityReading
Jonathan SwiftThere 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… ▶356Hope
Jonathan SwiftWe are so fond on one another because our ailments are the same. ✨ 'Journal to Stella' (published in 'Works', 1768) 1 February 1711378Love
Jonathan SwiftWords are but wind; and learning is nothing but words; ergo, learning is nothing but wind. ✨ Jonathan Swift, Frank H. Ellis (2006). A Tale of a Tub: The Battle of the Books … ▶356Reading
Jonathan SwiftBetter belly burst than good liquor be lost. ✨ Jonathan Swift (1761). The Works of Dr Jonathan Swift, Dean of St Patrick's, Dublin. Accurately Corrected by the Best Editions… ▶345Life
Jonathan SwiftNothing more unqualified the man to act with prudence than a misfortune that is attended with shame and guilt. ✨ Jonathan Swift (1752). The works of D. Jonathan Swift ...: T… ▶346Life
Jonathan SwiftThe best Maxim I know in this life is, to drink your Coffee when you can, and when you cannot, to be easy without it. While you continue to be splenetic, count upon it I will alwa… ▶335Life
