Jane borrow'd maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule;
Lucy saw read more

Jane borrow'd maxims from a doubting school,
And took for truth the test of ridicule;
Lucy saw no such virtue in a jest,
Truth was with her of ridicule the test.

Ridicule is the best test of truth

Ridicule is the best test of truth

Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities.

Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities.

I believe they talked of me, for they laughed consumedly.

I believe they talked of me, for they laughed consumedly.

One does not lash what lies at a distance. The foibles that we ridicule must at least be a little read more

One does not lash what lies at a distance. The foibles that we ridicule must at least be a little bit our own. Only then will the work be a part of our own flesh. The garden must be weeded.

Ridicule is like a wolf: it only destroys those who fear it

Ridicule is like a wolf: it only destroys those who fear it

Man learns more readily and remembers more willingly what excites his ridicule than what deserves esteem and respect.

Man learns more readily and remembers more willingly what excites his ridicule than what deserves esteem and respect.

Ridicule more often settles things more thoroughly and better
than acrimony.
[Lat., Ridiculum acri fortius ac melius magnas read more

Ridicule more often settles things more thoroughly and better
than acrimony.
[Lat., Ridiculum acri fortius ac melius magnas plerumque secat
res.]

Ridicule is the language of the devil

Ridicule is the language of the devil