Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper ( 4 of 4 )
 Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than 
their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd read more 
 Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than 
their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd by 
study, or consultation with casuists.
   - Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, 
 How comes it to pass, then, that we appear such cowards in 
reasoning, and are so afraid to stand read more 
 How comes it to pass, then, that we appear such cowards in 
reasoning, and are so afraid to stand the test of ridicule?
   - Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, 
 'Twas the saying of an ancient sage that humour was the only test 
of gravity, and gravity of humour. read more 
 'Twas the saying of an ancient sage that humour was the only test 
of gravity, and gravity of humour. For a subject which would not 
bear raillery was suspicious; and a jest which would not bear a 
serious examination was certainly false wit.
   - Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, 
 Truth, 'tis supposed, may bear all lights; and one those 
principal lights or natural mediums by which things are read more 
 Truth, 'tis supposed, may bear all lights; and one those 
principal lights or natural mediums by which things are to be 
viewed in order to a thorough recognition is ridicule itself.