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Quote by Joseph Addison

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The Works of the Right Honourable Joseph Addison

This volume gathers the literary output of Joseph Addison, one of the most prominent writers of the Augustan Age in English literature. The collection includes the witty and polished essays that made Addison famous through his periodical works, which helped shape the essay as a literary form in English. The compilation features his poetry, ranging from meditative verses to celebratory odes, as well as his dramatic productions, most notably the tragedy that secured his reputation in theatrical circles. Addison's prose style, characterized by clarity, elegance, and gentle satire, exemplifies the literary standards of his era and influenced generations of English writers. The collected works preserve for posterity the writings of a man who served his country in high political office while maintaining his position as a leading light of English letters during the reign of Queen Anne. more

Author

Joseph Addison
Joseph Addison

Joseph Addison, born on May 1, 1672, and died on June 17, 1719, was an influential English essayist, dramatist, and poet. He is known for his elegant prose style and his co-authorship of the magazine 'The Spectator' with Richard Steele. more

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“If men, who in their hearts are friends to a government, forbear giving it their utmost assistance against its enemies, they put it in the power of a few desperate men to ruin the welfare of those who are much superior to them in strength, number, and interest.”

“There are a sort of knight-errants in the world, who, quite contrary to those in romance, are perpetually seeking adventures to bring virgins into distress, and to ruin innocence. When men of rank and figure pass away their lives in these criminal pursuits and practices, they ought to consider that they render themselves more vile and despicable than any innocent man can be, whatever low station his fortune or birth have placed him in.”

“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.”

“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.”

“I do not propose to our British ladies, that they should turn Amazons in the service of their sovereign, nor so much as let their nails grow for the defence of their country. The men will take the work of the field off their hands, and show the world, that English valour cannot be matched when it is animated by English beauty.”