Joseph Addison Quotes About Criticism

We have collected for you the TOP of Joseph Addison's best quotes about Criticism! Here are collected all the quotes about Criticism starting from the birthday of the Essayist – May 1, 1672! We hope you will be inspired to new achievements with our constantly updated collection of quotes. At the moment, this page contains 576 sayings of Joseph Addison about Criticism. We will be happy if you share our collection of quotes with your friends on social networks!
  • When I read the rules of criticism, I immediately inquire after the works of the author who has written them, and by that means discover what it is he likes in a composition.

    Joseph Addison (1872). “The Works of the Right Honourable Joseph Addison”, p.221
  • It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.

  • Their is no defense against criticism except obscurity.

  • The English Writers of Tragedy are possessed with a Notion, that when they represent a virtuous or innocent Person in Distress, they ought not to leave him till they have delivered him out of his Troubles, or made him triumph over his Enemies.

    Joseph Addison, Sir Richard Steel (1858). “The Spectator”, p.80
  • It is impossible for us, who live in the latter ages of the world, to make observations in criticism, morality, or in any art or science, which have not been touched upon by others. We have little else left us but to represent the common sense of mankind in more strong, more beautiful, or more uncommon lights.

    Joseph Addison, Richard Steele (1854). “The Spectator”, p.306
  • It is ridiculous for any man to criticize on the works of another, who has not distinguished himself by his own performances.

    Joseph Addison (1868). “The Works of Joseph Addison: Including the Whole Contents of Bp. Hurd's Edition, with Letters and Other Pieces Not Found in Any Previous Collection; and Macaulay's Essay on His Life and Works”, p.238
  • We find that Good and Evil happen alike to all Men on this Side of the Grave; and as the principle Design of Tragedy is to raise Commiseration and Terror in the Minds of the Audience, we shall defeat this great End, if we always make Virtue and Innocence happy and successful.

    Joseph Addison (2017). “Delphi Complete Works of Joseph Addison (Illustrated)”, p.5878, Delphi Classics
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