Why will any man be so impertinently officious as to tell me all prospect of a future state is only fancy and delusion? Is there any merit in being the messenger of ill news. If it is a dream, let me enjoy it, since it makes me both the happier and better man.
Joseph AddisonA man improves more by reading the story of a person eminent for prudence and virtue, than by the finest rules and precepts of morality.
Joseph AddisonPeaceable times are the best to live in, though not so proper to furnish materials for a writer.
Joseph AddisonMan is subject to innumerable pains and sorrows by the very condition of humanity, and yet, as if nature had not sown evils enough in life, we are continually adding grief to grief and aggravating the common calamity by our cruel treatment of one another.
Joseph Addison