Argument, as usually managed, is the worst sort of conversation, as it is generally in books the worst sort of reading.
Jonathan SwiftApollo was held the god of physic and sender of disease. Both were originally the same trade, and still continue.
Jonathan SwiftA footman may swear; but he cannot swear like a lord. He can swear as often: but can he swear with equal delicacy, propriety, and judgment?
Jonathan SwiftVain men delight in telling what Honours have been done them, what great Company they have kept, and the like; by which they plainly confess, that these Honours were more than their Due, and such as their Friends would not believe if they had not been told: Whereas a Man truly proud, thinks the greatest Honours below his Merit, and consequently scorns to boast. I therefore deliver it as a Maxim that whoever desires the Character of a proud Man, ought to conceal his Vanity.
Jonathan Swift