Richard Steele Quotes

There are so few who can grow old with a good grace.

Compassion does not only refine and civilize human nature, but has something in it more pleasing and agreeable, than what can be met with in such an indolent happiness, such an indifference to mankind, as that in which the stoics placed their wisdom. As love is the most delightful passion, pity is nothing else but love softened by a degree of sorrow: In short, it is a kind of pleasing anguish, anguish as well as generous sympathy, that knits mankind together, and blends them in the same common lot.

The married state, with and without the affection suitable to it, is the completest image of heaven and hell we are capable of receiving in this life.

Vanity makes people ridiculous, pride odious, and ambition terrible.

The person, whom you favored with a loan, if he be a good man, will think himself in your debt after he has paid you.

A fool is in himself the object of pity, until he is flattered.

Violins are the lively, forward, importunate wits, that distinguish themselves by the flourishes of imagination, sharpness of repartee, glances of satire, and bear away the upper part in every consort.

Since our persons are not of our own making, when they are such as appear defective or uncomely, it is, methinks, an honest and laudable fortitude to dare to be ugly.

There is no Pleasure like that of receiving Praise from the Praiseworthy

Will. Honeycomb calls these over-offended ladies the outrageously virtuous.

It is to beoted that when any part of this paper appears dull there is a design in it.

Of all the affections which attend human life, the love of glory is the most ardent.