Sydney Smith

Praise is the best diet for us, after all

— Sydney Smith

“The fact is that in order to do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand shivering on the bank…

— Sydney Smith

The dearest things in the world are our neighbor's eyes; they cost everybody more than anything else in housekeeping.

— Sydney Smith

Don't tell me of facts, I never believe facts; you know Canning said nothing was so fallacious as facts, except figures

— Sydney Smith

The object of preaching is to constantly remind mankind of what they keep forgetting; not to supply the intellect, but to fortify…

— Sydney Smith

If you want to improve your understanding, drink coffee.

— Sydney Smith

You find people ready enough to do the Samaritan, without the oil and twopence.

— Sydney Smith

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

— Sydney Smith

The spiritualization of sensuality is called love: it is a great triumph over Christianity. Friedrich Nietzsche To love and be loved is…

— Sydney Smith

Poverty us no disgrace to a man, but it is confoundedly inconvenient.

— Sydney Smith

Science is his forte, and omniscience his foible.

— Sydney Smith

I never read a book before reviewing it - it prejudices a man so

— Sydney Smith

A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage

— Sydney Smith

To do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but…

— Sydney Smith

Let the Dean and Canons lay their heads together and the thing will be done.

— Sydney Smith

It is safest to be moderately base - to be flexible in shame, and to be always ready for what is generous,…

— Sydney Smith

The main question to a novel is -- did it amuse? were you surprised at dinner coming so soon? did you mistake…

— Sydney Smith

Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six…

— Sydney Smith

Never give way to melancholy; resist it steadily, for the habit will encroach.

— Sydney Smith

What you don't know would make a great book.

— Sydney Smith

Take short views, hope for the best and trust in God.

— Sydney Smith

In composing, as a general rule, run your pen through every other word you have written; you have no idea what vigor…

— Sydney Smith

Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you…

— Sydney Smith

He not only overflowed with learning, but stood in the slop.

— Sydney Smith

When I hear any man talk of an unalterable law, the only effect it produces on me is to convince me that…

— Sydney Smith