There is no greater sign of a general decay of virtue in a nation, than a want of zeal in its inhabitants for the good of their country
Joseph Addison
Whether zeal or moderation be the point we aim at, let us keep the fire out of the one, and the frost out of the other.
Joseph Addison
A true critic ought to dwell upon excellencies rather than imperfections, to discover the concealed beauties of a writer, and communicate to the world such things as are worth their observation.
Joseph Addison
The chief ingredients in the composition of those qualities that gain esteem and praise, are good nature, truth, good sense, and good breeding
Joseph Addison
Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind, which are delivered down from generation to generation as presents to the posterity of those who are yet unborn
Joseph Addison
Of all the diversions of life, there is none so proper to fill up its empty spaces as the reading of useful and entertaining authors.
Joseph Addison
Prejudice and self-sufficiency naturally proceed from inexperience of the world and ignorance of mankind.
Joseph Addison
Vanity is the natural weakness of an ambitious man, which exposes him to the secret scorn and derision of those he converses with, and ruins the character he is so industrious to advance by it.
Joseph Addison
Tradition is an important help to history, but its statements should be carefully scrutinized before we rely on them.
Joseph Addison
Animals, in their generation, are wiser than the sons of men; but their wisdom is confined to a few particulars, and lies in a very narrow compass.
Joseph Addison
Mutability of temper and inconsistency with ourselves is the greatest weakness of human nature.
Joseph Addison
Nothing that isn't a real crime makes a man appear so contemptible and little in the eyes of the world as inconsistency.
Joseph Addison
Knowledge is, indeed, that which, next to virtue, truly and essentially raises one man above another.
Joseph Addison