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The Present State of Wit (1711) - In a Letter to a Friend in the Country by John Gay
page 52 of 54 (96%)
No body is so well acquainted with himself, as to know his own _Mind_ at
all times.

Every body complains of his _Memory_, but no body of his _Judgment_.

There is a kind of general _Revolution_, not more visible in the turn it
gives to the Fortunes of the _World_, than it is in the Change of Men's
_Understandings_, and the different Relish or _Wit_.

Men often think to conduct and govern themselves, when all the while
they are led and manag'd; and while their _Understanding_ aims at one
thing, their _Heart_ insensibly draws them into another.

Great _Souls_ are not distinguish'd by having less _Passion_, and more
_Virtue_; but by having nobler and greater Designs than the _Vulgar_.

We allow few Men to be either _Witty_ or Reasonable, besides those who
are of our own Opinion.

We are as much pleas'd to discover another Man's _Mind_, as we are
discontented to have our own found out.

A straight and well-contriv'd _Mind_, finds it easier to yield to a
perverse one, than to direct and manage it.

_Coxcombs_ are never so troublesome, as when they pretend to _Wit_.

A little _Wit_ with _Discretion_, tires less at long-run, than much
_Wit_ without _Judgment_.

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