Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance. - read more

Even knowledge has to be in the fashion, and where it is not, it is wise to affect ignorance. - The Art of Worldy Wisdom, 1647.

UGLINESS, n. A gift of the gods to certain women, entailing virtue without humility.

UGLINESS, n. A gift of the gods to certain women, entailing virtue without humility.

Thy neck is a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in
Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: read more

Thy neck is a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in
Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower
Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.

Rarity gives a charm; so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized; and coyness sets off an extravagant read more

Rarity gives a charm; so early fruits and winter roses are the most prized; and coyness sets off an extravagant mistress, while the door always open tempts no suitor.

It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances

It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances

If you are not in fashion, you are nobody. - "Letter to his son", April 30, 1750.

If you are not in fashion, you are nobody. - "Letter to his son", April 30, 1750.

Not all that tempts your wandering eyes
And heedless hearts is lawful prize,
Not all that glisters read more

Not all that tempts your wandering eyes
And heedless hearts is lawful prize,
Not all that glisters gold.

A fine woman shows her charms to most advantage when she seems most to conceal them. The finest bosom in read more

A fine woman shows her charms to most advantage when she seems most to conceal them. The finest bosom in nature is not so fine as what imagination forms.

He was one of a lean body and visage, as if his eager soul,
biting for anger at the read more

He was one of a lean body and visage, as if his eager soul,
biting for anger at the clog of his body, desired to fret a
passage through it.