A biography for Joseph Addisonhasn’t been written yet.
“A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.”
“Their is no defense against criticism except obscurity.”
“The union of the Word and the Mind produces that mystery which is called Life... Learn deeply of the Mind and its mystery, for therein lies the secret of immortality.”
“To a man of pleasure every moment appears to be lost, which partakes not of the vivacity of amusement.”
“It is folly for an eminent man to think of escaping censure, and a weakness to be affected with it. All the illustrious persons of antiquity, and indeed of every age in the world, have passed through this fiery persecution.”
“Talking with a friend is nothing else but thinking aloud.”
“We are always doing something for posterity, but I would fain see posterity do something for us.”
“Suspicion is not less an enemy to virtue than to happiness; he that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious, and he that becomes suspicious will quickly be corrupt.”
“I will indulge my sorrows, and give way to all the pangs and fury of despair.”
“Friendships, in general, are suddenly contracted; and therefore it is no wonder they are easily dissolved.”
“To be an atheist requires an indefinitely greater measure of faith than to recieve all the great truths which atheism would deny.”
“If you wish success in life, make perseverance you bosom friend, experience your wise councellor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius.”
“Those Marriages generally abound most with Love and Constancy, that are preceded by a long Courtship.”
“It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.”
“The greatest sweetener of human life is Friendship. To raise this to the highest pitch of enjoyment, is a secret which but few discover.”
“Young men soon give, and soon forget, affronts; old age is slow in both.”
“A just and reasonable modesty does not only recommend eloquence, but sets off every great talent which a man can be possessed of.”
“An ostentatious man will rather relate a blunder or an absurdity he has committed, than be debarred from talking of his own dear person.”
“Is there not some chosen curse, some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven, red with uncommon wrath, to blast the man who owes his greatness to his country's ruin!”
“A man should always consider how much he has more than he wants.”