How comes it to pass, then, that we appear such cowards in reasoning, and are so afraid to stand the test of ridicule? - Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury More Quotes by Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury More Quotes From Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury There is a melancholy which accompanies all enthusiasm. Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury accompany melancholy enthusiasm Twas the saying of an ancient sage that humour was the only test of gravity, and gravity of humour. For a subject which would not bear raillery was suspicious; and a jest which would not bear a serious examination was certainly false wit. Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury sage examination tests Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd by study, or consultation with casuists. Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury matter men firsts
