Oliver Goldsmith
Ireland
10 Nov 1728 // 4 Apr 1774
Writer, Poet
10 Nov 1728 // 4 Apr 1774
Writer, Poet
Quotes
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Pride in their port, defiance in their eye,
I see the lords of humankind pass by.
I see the lords of humankind pass by.
Vain, very vain, my weary search to find
That bliss which only centres in the mind.
That bliss which only centres in the mind.
The canvas glow'd beyond ev'n Nature warm,
The pregnant quarry teem'd with human form.
The pregnant quarry teem'd with human form.
So the loud torrent and the whirlwind's roar
But bind him to his native mountains more.
But bind him to his native mountains more.
Such is the patriot's boast, where'er we roam,
His first, best country ever is at home.
His first, best country ever is at home.
Cheerful at morn, he wakes from short repose,
Breasts the keen air, and carols as he goes.
Breasts the keen air, and carols as he goes.
For just experience tells, in every soil,
That those that think must govern those that toil.
That those that think must govern those that toil.
By sports like these are all their cares beguil'd;
The sports of children satisfy the child.
The sports of children satisfy the child.
Where wealth and freedom reign contentment fails,
And honour sinks where commerce long prevails.
And honour sinks where commerce long prevails.
They please, are pleas'd; they give to get esteem,
Till seeming blest, they grow to what they seem.
Till seeming blest, they grow to what they seem.
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays
Essays