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Sydney Smith

10 quotes

A name that surfaces again and again in collections of great quotes, Sydney Smith clearly understood the power of language. Sydney Smith's observations on Happiness are as sharp as their thoughts on Courage, revealing genuine breadth of mind. Browse 13 quotes by Sydney Smith that cover ground from Happiness, Courage, Science, Respect, and Religion. Perhaps their most recognizable line: "What a pity it is that we have no amusements in England but vice and religion!"

“Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them.”

— Sydney Smith

Marriage

All Quotes by Sydney Smith

“What a pity it is that we have no amusements in England but vice and religion!”

— Sydney Smith

Religion

“Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them.”

— Sydney Smith

Marriage

“Science is his forte, and omniscience his foible.”

— Sydney Smith

Science

“A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.”

— Sydney Smith

Happiness

“Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities which our fellow creatures love and respect.”

— Sydney Smith

Respect

“Madam, I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life let us swear eternal friendship.”

— Sydney Smith

Friendship

“Have the courage to be ignorant of a great number of things, in order to avoid the calamity of being ignorant of everything.”

— Sydney Smith

Courage

“Do not try to push your way through to the front ranks of your profession do not run after distinctions and rewards but do your utmost to find an entry into the world of beauty.”

— Sydney Smith

Beauty

“Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.”

— Sydney Smith

Happiness

“A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort.”

— Sydney Smith

Courage