A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage. Every day sends to their graves obscure men whose timidity prevented them from making a first effort.
– Sydney Smith
Errors to be dangerous must have a great deal of truth mingled with them. It is only from this alliance that they can ever obtain an extensive circulation.
– Sydney Smith
Have the courage to be ignorant of a great number of things, in order to avoid the calamity of being ignorant of everything.
– Sydney Smith
Live always in the best company when you read.
– Sydney Smith
Never try to reason the prejudice out of a man. It was not reasoned into him, and cannot be reasoned out.
– Sydney Smith
There is one piece of advice, in a life of study, which I think no one will object to; and that is, every now and then to be completely idle - to do nothing at all.
– Sydney Smith
To do anything in this world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in, and scramble through as well as we can.
– Sydney Smith
Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for and you will succeed.
– Sydney Smith
You must not think me necessarily foolish because I am facetious, nor will I consider you necessarily wise because you are grave.
– Sydney Smith
He had occasional flashes of silence, that made his conversation perfectly delightful.
– Sydney Smith
What a pity it is that we have no amusements in England but vice and religion!
– Sydney Smith
Science is his forte, and omniscience his foible.
– Sydney Smith
Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them.
– Sydney Smith
Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities which our fellow creatures love and respect.
– Sydney Smith
Madam, I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life let us swear eternal friendship.
– Sydney Smith
Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.
– Sydney Smith
Do not try to push your way through to the front ranks of your profession do not run after distinctions and rewards but do your utmost to find an entry into the world of beauty.
– Sydney Smith
A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.