Quotes by Oliver Goldsmith

“The first time I read an excellent book, it is to me just as if I had gained a new friend. When I read a book over I have perused before, it resembles the meeting with an old one.””

“All is not gold that glitters, pleasure seems sweet, but proves a glass of bitters.””

“People seldom improve when they have no model but themselves to copy after.””

“Don't let us make imaginary evils, when you know we have so many real ones to encounter.””

“Modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with nobler virtues.””

“Conscience is a coward, and those faults it has not strength enough to prevent it seldom has justice enough to accuse.””

“Every absurdity has a champion to defend it.””

“A great source of calamity lies in regret and anticipation; therefore a person is wise who thinks of the present alone, regardless of the past or future.””

“law grinds the poor, rich men rule the law””

“As the reputation of books is raised not by their freedom from defect, but the greatness of their beauties, so should that of men be prized not for their exemption from fault, but the size of those virtues they are possessed of.””

“Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey/Where wealth accumulates and men decay””

“Politeness is the result of good sense and good nature.””

“In all my wanderings through this world of care,In all my griefs -- and God has given my share --I still had hopes, my latest hours to crown,Amidst these humble bowers to lay me down;To husband out life's taper at the close,And keep the flame from wasting, by repose:I still had hopes, for pride attends us still,Amidst the swains to show my book-learn'd skill,Around my fire an evening group to draw,And tell of all I felt, and all I saw;And, as a hare, whom hounds and horns pursue,Pants to the place from whence at first she flew,I still had hopes, my long vexations past,Here to return -- and die at home at last.””

“…The more enormous our wealth, the more extensive our fears, all our possessions are paled up with new edicts every day, and hung round with gibbets to scare every invader.””