Jonathan Swift Quotes

A collection of quotes by Jonathan Swift.

Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) was an Anglo-Irish writer, satirist, and clergyman. He is best known for his famous works "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal." Born in Dublin, Ireland, Swift went on to study at Trinity College in Dublin and later at Oxford University.

Swift initially worked as a secretary and editor for various political figures, but his passion lay in writing satire and fiction. He became known for his biting wit and sharp criticism of society and politics. Swift's writings often tackled social issues, hypocrisy, and corruption, using satire as a means to highlight these problems.

One of his most renowned works, "Gulliver's Travels," was published in 1726. It is a fictional travelogue that narrates the voyages of Lemuel Gulliver to four fictional lands. The novel is often interpreted as an allegory, satirizing different aspects of society. Swift's "A Modest Proposal" (1729) is a satirical essay suggesting a shocking solution to Ireland's poverty. Its purpose was to criticize the English government's failure to address the dire economic situation of the Irish people.

Apart from his satirical works, Swift also made significant contributions to literature, philosophy, and religious writings. He served as the dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin for many years, where he actively participated in local politics and advocated for the rights of the Irish people.

Jonathan Swift's legacy as one of the most influential satirists in English literature continues to be celebrated today. His works remain relevant and continue to inspire critical reflection on the human condition and the flaws of society.

Bread is the staff of life.

Bread is the staff of life.

We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to m

We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.

Promises and Pye-Crusts, are made to be broken.

Promises and Pye-Crusts, are made to be broken.

When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: t

When a true genius appears, you can know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in a confederacy against him.

I love good creditable acquaintance; I love to be the worst

I love good creditable acquaintance; I love to be the worst of the company.

Venus, a beautiful, good-natured lady, was the goddess of lo

Venus, a beautiful, good-natured lady, was the goddess of love; Juno, a terrible shrew, the goddess of marriage; and they were always mortal enemies

I have almost done with harridans, and shall soon become old

I have almost done with harridans, and shall soon become old enough to fall in love with girls of fourteen

Words are but wind and learning is nothing but words ergo, l

Words are but wind and learning is nothing but words ergo, learning is nothing but wind.

Brutes find out where their talents lie; A bear will not att

Brutes find out where their talents lie; A bear will not attempt to fly, A foundered horse will oft debate Before he tries a five barred gate. A dog by instinct turns aside Who sees the ditch too deep and wide, But man we find the only creature Who, led by folly, combats nature; Who, when she loudly cries

One of the very best rules of conversation is to never, say

One of the very best rules of conversation is to never, say anything which any of the company wish had been left unsaid.

I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquain

I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child, well nursed, is at a year old, a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee, or a ragout.

Vanity is a mark of humility rather than of pride.

Vanity is a mark of humility rather than of pride.

A footman may swear; but he cannot swear like a lord. He can

A 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?

Profanity Vulgarity

O Grub Street! how do I bemoan thee, whose graceless childre

O Grub Street! how do I bemoan thee, whose graceless children scorn to own thee! . Yet thou hast greater cause to be ashamed of them, than they of thee.

Authors & Writing

Censure is the tax a man pays to the public for being eminen

Censure is the tax a man pays to the public for being eminent.

There's none so blind as they that won't see.

There's none so blind as they that won't see.

Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.

Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.

Whoever wishes to win in this game must have patience and mo

Whoever wishes to win in this game must have patience and money, since the values are so little constant and the rumors so little founded on truth Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.

Winning Winners

As blushing will sometimes make a whore pass for a virtuous

As blushing will sometimes make a whore pass for a virtuous woman, so modesty may make a fool seem a man of sense.

Style may defined as the proper words in the proper places.

Style may defined as the proper words in the proper places.

Authors & Writing