And the weak soul, within itself unbless'd, Leans for all pleasure on another's breast. Oliver Goldsmith More Quotes by Oliver Goldsmith More Quotes From Oliver Goldsmith I have visited many countries, and have been in cities without number, yet never did I enter a town which could not produce ten or twelve little great men; all fancying themselves known to the rest of the world, and complimenting each other upon their extensive reputation. Oliver Goldsmith citiesmencountry Like the tiger, that seldom desists from pursuing man after having once preyed upon human flesh, the reader who has once gratified his appetite with calumny makes ever after the most agreeable feast upon murdered reputations! Oliver Goldsmith reputationfleshmen Thus 'tis with all; their chief and constant care Is to seem everything but what they are. Oliver Goldsmith chiefscarehypocrisy Blame where you must, be candid where you can, And be each critic the Good-natured Man. Oliver Goldsmith blamecriticismmen Wit generally succeeds more from being happily addressed than from its native poignancy. A jest, calculated to spread at a gaming-table, may be received with, perfect indifference should it happen to drop in a mackerel-boat. Oliver Goldsmith tablesperfectmay What if in Scotland's wilds we viel'd our head, Where tempests whistle round the sordid bed; Where the rug's two-fold use we might display, By night a blanket, and a plaid by day. Oliver Goldsmith scotlandhomenight There is yet a silent agony in which the mind appears to disdain all external help, and broods over its distresses with gloomy reserve. This is the most dangerous state of mind; accidents or friendships may lessen the louder kinds of grief, but all remedies for this must be had from within, and there despair too often finds the most deadly enemy. Oliver Goldsmith agonygriefmind Titles and mottoes to books are like escutcheons and dignities in the hands of a king. The wise sometimes condescend to accept of them; but none but a fool would imagine them of any real importance. We ought to depend upon intrinsic merit, and not the slender helps of the title. Oliver Goldsmith realkingswise Amid thy desert-walks the lapwing flies, And tires their echoes with unvaried cries. Oliver Goldsmith desertcryechoes The more various our artificial necessities, the wider is our circle of pleasure; for all pleasure consists in obviating necessities as they rise; luxury, therefore, as it increases our wants, increases our capacity for happiness Oliver Goldsmith luxurycircleswant Let observation with observant view, Oliver Goldsmith peruviewstravel By every remove I only drag a greater length of chain. Oliver Goldsmith lengthdragchains Pride in their port, defiance in their eye, I see the lords of humankind pass by. Oliver Goldsmith eyepridelord Those who place their affections at first on trifles for amusement, will find these trifles become at last their most serious concerns. Oliver Goldsmith amusementlastsfirsts Man seems the only growth that dwindles here. Oliver Goldsmith growthseemsmen I hate the French because they are all slaves and wear wooden shoes. Oliver Goldsmith franceshoeshate Fine declamation does not consist in flowery periods, delicate allusions of musical cadences, but in a plain, open, loose style, where the periods are long and obvious, where the same thought is often exhibited in several points of view. Oliver Goldsmith musicalviewslong Blest be those feasts, with simple plenty crowned, Where all the ruddy family around Laugh at the jests or pranks that never fail Or sigh with pity at some mournful tale. Oliver Goldsmith failingsimplelaughing Every want that stimulates the breast becomes a source of pleasure when redressed. Oliver Goldsmith pleasuresourcewant Teach erring man to spurn the rage of gain. Oliver Goldsmith gainsteachingmen
