The quotations of

Joseph Addison

English essayist, poet, playwright and politician

1672–1719

51 quotes, most often on Life & Death, Character and Virtue.

Mutability of temper and inconsistency with ourselves is the greatest weakness of human nature.
The Spectator (1711–1714), No. 162 (5 September 1711)
- Character
A cheerful temper joined with innocence will make beauty attractive, knowledge delightful and wit good-natured.
The Tatler, No. 192 (1 July 1710)
- Character
- Happiness
A just and reasonable modesty does not only recommend eloquence, but sets off every great talent which a man can be possessed of.
The Spectator (1711–1714), No. 231 (24 November 1711)
- Character
A man’s first care should be to avoid the reproaches of his own heart; his next to escape the censures of the world.
The Spectator, No. 122 (20 July 1711)
- Character
- Morality
At the same time that I think discretion the most useful talent a man can be master of, I look upon cunning to be the accomplishment of little, mean, ungenerous minds.
The Spectator, No. 225 (17 November 1711)
- Character
- Wisdom
Cunning is only the mimic of discretion, and may pass upon weak men in the same manner as vivacity is often mistaken for wit, and gravity for wisdom.
The Spectator, No. 225 (17 November 1711)
- Character
- Wisdom

Most quoted