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List of Oliver Goldsmith Quotes

Explore our hand-picked selection of 346 inspiring quotes by Oliver Goldsmith.

About Oliver Goldsmith

  • Born: November 10, 1730
  • Died: April 4, 1774
  • Occupation: Novelist
    • Fear guides more to their duty than gratitude; for one man who is virtuous from the love of virtue, from the obligation he thinks he lies under to the giver of all, there are ten thousand who are good only from their apprehension of punishment.
    Gratitude Lying Men
    When we take a slight survey of the surface of our globe a thousand objects offer themselves which, though long known, yet still demand our curiosity.
    Long Curiosity Demand
    And as a bird each fond endearment tries to tempt its new-fledg'd offspring to the skies, he tried each art, reprov'd each dull delay, allur'd to brighter worlds, and led the way.
    Art Sky Bird
    Even children follow'd with endearing wile, and pluck'd his gown, to share the good man's smile.
    Children Men Good Man
    While resignation gently slopes away, and all his prospects brightening to the last, his heaven commences ere the world be past.
    Past Heaven World
    He cast off his friends as a huntsman his pack, for he knew when he pleas'd he could whistle them back.
    Friendship Popularity Casts
    Paltry affectation, strained allusions, and disgusting finery are easily attained by those who choose to wear them; they are but too frequently the badges of ignorance or of stupidity, whenever it would endeavor to please.
    Ignorance Stupidity Endeavor
    The volumes of antiquity, like medals, may very well serve to amuse the curious, but the works of the moderns, like the current coin of a kingdom, are much better for immediate use.
    May Kingdoms Use
    Is it that nature, attentive to the preservation of mankind, increases our wishes to live, while she lessens our enjoyments, and as she robs the senses of every pleasure, equips imag-ination in the spoil?
    Wish Age Pleasure
    A night-cap deck'd his brows instead of bay,- a cap by night, a stocking all the day.
    Night Caps Brows
    There is one way by which a strolling player may be ever secure of success; that is, in our theatrical way of expressing it, to make a great deal of the character. to speak and act as in common life is not playing, nor is it what people come to see; natural speaking, like sweet wine, runs glibly over the palate and scarcely leaves any taste behind it; but being high in a part resembles vinegar, which grates upon the taste, and one feels it while he is drinking.
    Running Sweet Drinking
    The whitewash'd wall, the nicely sanded floor, the varnish'd clock that click'd behind the door; the chest, contriv'd a double debt to pay,- a bed by night, a chest of drawers by day.
    Wall Night Doors
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