Jonathan Swift

So, naturalists observe, a flea
Has smaller fleas that on him prey;
And these have smaller still read more

So, naturalists observe, a flea
Has smaller fleas that on him prey;
And these have smaller still to bite 'em,
And so proceed ad infinitum.
Thus every poet in his kind
Is bit by him that comes behind.

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem

Flattery is the worst and falsest way of showing our esteem

I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.

I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.

The greatest inventions were produced in the times of ignorance, as the use of the compass, gunpowder, and printing.

The greatest inventions were produced in the times of ignorance, as the use of the compass, gunpowder, and printing.

A man suffers death himself as often as he loses those dear to
him.

A man suffers death himself as often as he loses those dear to
him.