Sydney Smith

Have the courage to be ignorant of a great number of things, in order to avoid the calamity of being read more

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

I do not mean to be disrespectful, but the attempt of the Lords
to stop the progress of reform, read more

I do not mean to be disrespectful, but the attempt of the Lords
to stop the progress of reform, reminds me very forcibly of the
great storm of Sidmouth, and of the conduct of the excellent Mrs.
Partington on that occasion. In the winter of 1824, there set in
a great flood upon that town--the tide rose to an incredible
height: the waves rushed in upon the houses, and everything was
threatened with destruction. In the midst of this sublime and
terrible storm, Dame Partington, who lived upon the beach, was
seen at the door of her house with mop and pattens, trundling her
mop, squeezing out the sea water, and vigorously pushing away the
Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic was roused. Mrs. Partington's
spirit was up; but I need not tell you that the contest was
unequal. The Atlantic Ocean beat Mrs. Partington. She was
excellent at a slop or a puddle, but she should not have meddled
with a tempest.

It is always right that a man should be able to render a reason for the faith that is within read more

It is always right that a man should be able to render a reason for the faith that is within him.

What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?

What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?

The most curious offspring of shame is shyness.

The most curious offspring of shame is shyness.