662 Quotes by Jonathan Swift

The translators of the Bible were masters of an English style much fitter for that work than any we see in our present writings; the which is owing to the simplicity that runs through the whole.

Some men, under the notion of weeding out prejudices, eradicate virtue, honesty, and religion

There are certain common privileges of a writer, the benefit whereof, I hope, there will be no reason to doubt; particularly, that where I am not understood, it shall be concluded, that something very useful and profound is couched underneath; and again, that whatever word or sentence is printed in a different character, shall be judged to contain something extraordinary either or wit of sublime.

They say fingers were made before forks, and hands before knives.

The affectation of some late authors to introduce and multiply cant words is the most ruinous corruption in any language.

She looks as if butter wouldn't melt in her mouth

All panegyrics are mingled with an infusion of poppy.

You cannot reason a person out of something they were not reasoned into.

Most sorts of diversion in men, children and other animals, are an imitation of fighting