Jonathan Swift, born on November 30, 1667, in Dublin, Ireland, was a renowned Anglo-Irish satirist, essayist, and clergyman. His career highlights include authoring the iconic novel “Gulliver’s Travels” in 1726, a masterpiece of satire that critiques human society, as well as writing influential political pamphlets like “A Modest Proposal” in 1729. Swift served as Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin and is celebrated for his sharp wit and commentary on human folly. His quotes, sourced primarily from books, essays, and letters, offer timeless reflections on life. In this list, we present 15 quotes by Jonathan Swift that explore themes of existence, human nature, and societal insights, drawn from his extensive writings.
15 Jonathan Swift Quotes
1. “Satire is a sort of glass wherein beholders do generally discover everyone’s face but their own.” (Book, “The Battle of the Books”, 1704)
2. “We have just religion enough to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.” (Book, “Gulliver’s Travels”, 1726)
3. “Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.” (Essay, “Thoughts on Various Subjects”, 1711)
4. “He was a brave man who first ate an oyster.” (Book, “Polite Conversation”, 1738)
5. “Proper words in proper places, make the true definition of style.” (Letter to a Young Clergyman, 1720)
6. “Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.” (Essay, “Thoughts on Various Subjects”, 1711)
7. “The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.” (Essay, “Thoughts on Various Subjects”, 1711)
8. “Books, the children of the brain.” (Book, “A Tale of a Tub”, 1704)
9. “I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.” (Essay, “Thoughts on Various Subjects”, 1711)
10. “Argument is the worst sort of conversation.” (Book, “Polite Conversation”, 1738)
11. “Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.” (Essay on the State of Ireland, 1720)
12. “When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.” (Book, “A Proposal for Correcting… the English Tongue”, 1712)
13. “Happiness is the perpetual possession of being well deceived.” (Essay, “Thoughts on Various Subjects”, 1711)
14. “The power of fortune is confessed only by the miserable, for the happy impute all their success to prudence or merit.” (Essay, “Thoughts on Various Subjects”, 1711)
15. “Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old.” (Essay, “Thoughts on Various Subjects”, 1711)
These quotes by Jonathan Swift showcase his incisive wit and deep insight into the human condition, revealing a life philosophy that blends humor, critique, and wisdom. They highlight his belief in the absurdities of existence and the importance of self-reflection in navigating life’s challenges. Swift’s words continue to resonate, encouraging us to examine our own lives more closely. What insights do these quotes spark for you? Share your thoughts and favorite Swift sayings in the comments below.