Unbounded courage and compassion join'd, Tempering each other in the victor's mind, Alternately proclaim him good and great, And make the hero and the man complete.
Joseph AddisonRead
Good nature is more agreeable in conversation than wit and gives a certain air to the countenance which is more amiable than beauty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Kindness in conversation is more charming than cleverness, and it enhances one's attractiveness more than physical beauty.
This quote highlights the importance of good nature and kindness in social interactions, suggesting that the qualities of amiability and warmth in conversation are more appealing than just having wit or beauty. It implies that true charm comes not from clever remarks or physical appearance but from a pleasant demeanor and a friendly attitude.
Themes
KindnessConversationAmiabilityWitBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
During a toast at a wedding, one could mention how good nature in relationships enhances connection.
More from Joseph Addison
All quotes βRidicule is generally made use of to laugh men out of virtue and good sense, by attacking everything praiseworthy in human life.
Joseph AddisonRead
Admiration is a very short lived passion that immediately decays upon growing familiar with its object, unless it still be fed with fresh discoveries, and kept alive by a new perpetual succession of miracles rising up to its view.
Joseph AddisonRead
It is impossible for us, who live in the latter ages of the world, to make observations in criticism, morality, or in any art or science, which have not been touched upon by others. We have little else left us but to represent the common sense of mankind in more strong, more beautiful, or more uncommon lights.
Joseph AddisonRead
An ostentatious man will rather relate a blunder or an absurdity he has committed, than be debarred from talking of his own dear person.
Joseph AddisonRead
There is no greater sign of a general decay of virtue in a nation, than a want of zeal in its inhabitants for the good of their country.
Joseph AddisonRead
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Being able to make friends and keep them, welcoming others and sharing with them, a guide, philosopher and friend. One like this will be praised.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Friendship exhibits a glorious "nearness by resemblance" to Heaven itself where the very multitude of the blessed (which no man can number) increases the fruition which each has of God. For every soul, seeing Him in her own way, doubtless communicates that unique vision to all the rest. That, says an old author, is why the Seraphim in Isaiah's vision are crying "Holy, Holy, Holy" to one another (Isaiah VI, 3). The more we thus share the Heavenly Bread between us, the more we shall all have.
C. S. LewisRead
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
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I'll never see them again. I know that. And they know that. And knowing this, we say farewell.
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We often choose a friend as we do a mistress - for no particular excellence in themselves, but merely from some circumstance that flatters our self-love.
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I get by with a little help from my friends.
John LennonRead