Joseph Addison

Our delight in any particular study, art, or science rises and improves in proportion to the application which we bestow read more

Our delight in any particular study, art, or science rises and improves in proportion to the application which we bestow upon it. Thus, what was at first an exercise becomes at length an entertainment.

Why wilt thou add to all the griefs I suffer
Imaginary ills, and fancy'd tortures?

Why wilt thou add to all the griefs I suffer
Imaginary ills, and fancy'd tortures?

Everything that is new or uncommon raises a pleasure in the imagination, because it fills the soul with an agreeable read more

Everything that is new or uncommon raises a pleasure in the imagination, because it fills the soul with an agreeable surprise, gratifies its curiosity, and gives it an idea of which it was not before possessed.

But thou shall flourish in immortal youth,
Unhurt amidst the wars of elements,
The wrecks of matter, read more

But thou shall flourish in immortal youth,
Unhurt amidst the wars of elements,
The wrecks of matter, and the crush of worlds.

The man who will live above his present circumstances, is in great danger of soon living beneath them; or as read more

The man who will live above his present circumstances, is in great danger of soon living beneath them; or as the Italian proverb says, "The man that lives by hope, will die by despair.".