The truth is, that most men want knowledge, not for itself,… - Sydney Smith

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The truth is, that most men want knowledge, not for itself, but for the superiority which knowledge confers; and the means they employ to secure this superiority, are as wrong as the ultimate object, for no man can ever end with being superior, who will not begin with being inferior.

Sydney Smith

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About Sydney Smith

Sydney Smith (3 June 1771 – 22 February 1845) was an English clergyman, critic, philosopher and wit.

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Also Known As

Alternative Names: Reverend Sydney Smith

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Mark Twain Samuel Johnson Benjamin Franklin George Bernard Shaw Voltaire

Additional quotes by Sydney Smith

Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed.

A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort.

"Heat, ma'am!" I said; "it was so dreadful here, that I found there was nothing left for it but to take off my flesh and sit in my bones."

The truth is, that most men want knowledge, not for itself, but for the superiority which knowledge confers; and the means they employ to secure this… - Sydney Smith

About Sydney Smith

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