Jonathan Swift Quotes

One enemy can do more hurt than ten friends can do good.

My hours of leisure I spent in reading the best authors, ancient and modern, being always provided with a good number of books; and when I was ashore, in observing the manners and dispositions of the people, as well as learning their language; wherein I had a great facility, by the strength of my memory.

Ever eating, never cloying,
All-devouring, all-destroying
Never finding full repast,
Till I eat the world at last.

I shall be like that tree; I shall die from the top.

There is none so blind as they that won't see.

لدينا ما يكفى من الدين لكى نكره جارنا لا لنحبه.

Opium is not so stupefying to many persons as an afternoon sermon.

Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old.

I 've often wish'd that I had clear,
For life, six hundred pounds a year;
A handsome house to lodge a friend;
A river at my garden's end;
A terrace walk, and half a rood
Of land set out to plant a wood.

Raillery was to say something that at first appeared a reproach or reflection; but, by some turn of wit unexpected and surprising, ended always in a compliment, and to the advantage of the person it was addressed to. And surely one of the best rules in conversation is, never to say a thing which any of the company can reasonably wish we had rather left unsaid; nor can there anything be well more contrary to the ends for which people meet together, than to part unsatisfied with each other or themselves.

Laws are like Cobwebs which may catch small Flies, but let Wasps and Hornets break through. But in Oratory the greatest Art is to hide Art.

The sight of you is good for sore eyes.

Of so little weight are the greatest services to princes, when put into the balance with a refusal to gratify their passions.

He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.

I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout.