Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury Quotes

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"People differ in their discourse and profession about these matters, but men of sense are really but of one religion." Upon which says the lady of a sudden, "Pray, my lord, what religion is that which men of sense agree in?" "Madam," says the earl immediately, "men of sense never tell it."

Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury

Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd by study, or consultation with casuists.

Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury

Twas the saying of an ancient sage that humour was the only test of gravity, and gravity of humour. For a subject which would not bear raillery was suspicious; and a jest which would not bear a serious examination was certainly false wit.

Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury

How comes it to pass, then, that we appear such cowards in reasoning, and are so afraid to stand the test of ridicule? - Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury

Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury