Quote

The soul may be compared to a field of battle, where the armies are ready every moment to encounter. Not a single vice but has a more powerful opponent, and not one virtue but may be overborne by a combination of vices.

Oliver Goldsmith

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Oliver Goldsmith
Age: 43 †
Born: 1730
Born: November 10
Died: 1774
Died: April 4
Dramaturge
Essayist
Literary Critic
Novelist
Physician
Physician Writer
Playwright
Poet
Polygraph
Theatrical Producer
Writer
Elphin
County Roscommon
Oliver Goldsmit
Doctor Goldsmith
Oliverio Goldsmith
Oliverus Goldsmith
Olver Goldsmith
Olivier Goldsmith
Dottor Golssmith
Tom Telescope
Solomon Winlove
James Willington
Author of the Vicar of Wakefield
Dr Goldsmith
Inspired Idiot
Ready
Opponents
Virtue
Vices
Overborne
Powerful
Combination
Armies
Moment
Field
Opponent
Moments
Army
Encounter
May
Fields
Encounters
Soul
Battle
Compared
Every
Single
Vice

More quotes by Oliver Goldsmith

Image
It is impossible to combat enthusiasm with reason for though it makes a show of resistance, it soon eludes the pressure, refers you to distinctions not to be understood, and feelings which it cannot explain. A man who would endeavor to fix an enthusiast by argument might as well attempt to spread quicksilver with his finger.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Like the tiger, that seldom desists from pursuing man after having once preyed upon human flesh, the reader who has once gratified his appetite with calumny makes ever after the most agreeable feast upon murdered reputations!
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
There is a greatness in being generous, and there is only simple justice in satisfying creditors. Generosity is the part of the soul raised above the vulgar.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
As boys should be educated with temperance, so the first greatest lesson that should be taught them is to admire frugality. It is by the exercise of this virtue alone they can ever expect to be useful members of society.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Why was this heart of mine formed with so much sensibility! Or why not my fortune adapted to its impulses! Tenderness without a capacity of relieving only makes the man who feels it more wretched than the object which sues for assistance.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
For the first time, the best may err, art may persuade, and novelty spread out its charms. The first fault is the child of simplicity but every other the offspring of guilt.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
And as a bird each fond endearment tries To tempt its new-fledg'd offspring to the skies, He tried each art, reprov'd each dull delay, Allur'd to brighter worlds, and led the way.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
When lovely woman stoops to folly, and finds too late that men betray, what charm can soothe her melancholy, what art can wash her guilt away?
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Unequal combinations are always disadvantageous to the weaker side.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
All his faults are such that one loves him still the better for them.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Wisdom makes a slow defense against trouble, though a sure one in the end.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
The volumes of antiquity, like medals, may very well serve to amuse the curious, but the works of the moderns, like the current coin of a kingdom, are much better for immediate use.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Aspiring beggary is wretchedness itself.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Modesty seldom resides in a breast that is not enriched with nobler virtues.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Persecution is a tribute the great must always pay for preeminence.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
A book may be very amusing with numerous errors, or it may be very dull without a single absurdity.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
Hope, like the gleaming taper's light, Adorns and cheers our way And still, as darker grows the night, Emits a brighter ray.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
One writer, for instance, excels at a plan or a title page, another works away at the body of the book, and a third is a dab at an index.
Oliver Goldsmith
Image
I do not love a man who is zealous for nothing.
Oliver Goldsmith