Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury - Subject Quotes

3 Sourced Quotes

View all Anthony Ashley-Cooper Quotes

Truth, 'tis supposed, may bear all lights: and one of those in which things are to be viewed, in order to [attain] a thorough recognition is that by which we discern whatever is liable to ridicule in any subject.

Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury

It was 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, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury

Truth, 'tis suppos'd, may bear all Lights: and one of those principal Lights or natural Mediums, by which Things are to be view'd, in order to a thorow Recognition, is Ridicule it-self, or that Manner of Proof by which we discern whatever is liable to just Raillery in any Subject.

Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury