The scholars of Ireland seem not to have the least conception of style, but run on in a flat phraseology, often mingled with barbarous terms.
Jonathan SwiftNo man was ever so completely skilled in the conduct of life, as not to receive new information from age and experience.
Jonathan SwiftIt is as hard to satirize well a man of distinguished vices, as to praise well a man of distinguished virtues.
Jonathan SwiftThe motives of the best actions will not bear too strict an inquiry. It is allowed that the cause of most actions, good or bad, may be resolved into the love of ourselves; but the self-love of some men inclines them to please others, and the self-love of others is wholly employed in pleasing themselves. This makes the great distinction between virtue and vice.
Jonathan Swift