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Alexander Pope Quotes


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To buy books only because they were published by an eminent printer, is much as if a man should buy clothes that did not fit him, only because made by some famous tailor.
[Books]

To endeavor to work upon the vulgar with fine sense is like attempting to hew blocks with a razor.
[Vulgarity]

To err is human; to forgive, divine.
[Error]

To observations which ourselves we make, we grow more partial for th' observer's sake.

To pardon those absurdities in ourselves which we cannot suffer in others, is neither better nor worse than to be more willing to be fools ourselves than to have others so.
[Absurdities]

To whom can riches give repute, or trust, content, or pleasure, but the good and just?
[Wealth]

True ease in writing comes from art, not chance, as those who move easiest have learned to dance.
[Art]

True friendship's laws are by this rule expressed: welcome the coming, speed the parting guest.

True politeness consists in being easy one's self, and in making every one about one as easy as one can.
[Being]

True wit is nature to advantage dress'd What oft was thought, but ne'er so well expressed.
[Wit]

Trust not yourself, but your defects to know, make use of every friend and every foe.

Truth shines the brighter clad in verse.
[Poetry]

Vice is a monster of such frightful mien as to be hated, needs but to be seen; but seen too oft, familiar with her face, we first endure, then pity, then embrace.
[Familiarity]

Virtue she finds too painful an endeavor, content to dwell in decencies for ever.

We think our fathers fools, so wise we grow; Our wiser sons, no doubt, will think us so.
[Youth]

Welcome the coming, speed the going guest.

What Cicero says of war may be applied to disputing, - it should always be so managed as to remember that the only true end of it is peace. - But generally, disputants are like sportsmen - their whole delight is in the pursuit; and a disputant no more cares for the truth, than the sportsman for the hare.

What conscience dictates to be done, or warns me not to do, this teach me more than hell to shun, that more than heaven pursue.
[Conscience]

What dire offense from am'rous causes springs. What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
[Love]

What is it to be wise? - 'Tis but to know how little can be known - to see all others' faults and feel our own.
[Wisdom]


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