Nothing can atone for the lack of modesty; without which beauty is ungraceful and wit detestable.
Richard SteeleI love to consider an Infidel, whether distinguished by the title of deist, atheist, or free-thinker.
Richard SteeleA man cannot have an idea of perfection in another, which he was never sensible of in himself.
Richard SteeleIt is a certain sign of an ill heart to be inclined to defamation. They who are harmless and innocent can have no gratification that way; but it ever arises from a neglect of what is laudable in a man's self.
Richard SteeleSuch is the weakness of our nature, that when men are a little exalted in their condition they immediately conceive they have additional senses, and their capacities enlarged not only above other men, but above human comprehension itself.
Richard SteeleCompassion does not only refine and civilize human nature, but has something in it more pleasing and agreeable, than what can be met with in such an indolent happiness, such an indifference to mankind, as that in which the stoics placed their wisdom. As love is the most delightful passion, pity is nothing else but love softened by a degree of sorrow: In short, it is a kind of pleasing anguish, anguish as well as generous sympathy, that knits mankind together, and blends them in the same common lot.
Richard Steele