Sydney Smith Quotes

United Kingdom, Writer
June 3, 1771 – February, 22, 1845.

Sydney Smith was an English wit, writer and Anglican cleric. Born in Woodford, Essex, England, Smith was the son of merchant Robert Smith (1739–1827) and Maria Olier (1750–1801), who suffered from epilepsy. His father, described as "a man of restless ingenuity and activity",[citation needed] "very clever, odd by nature, but still more odd by design",[citation needed] owned, at various times, 19 different estates in England.

Also known as Clergyman

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
- Things
- Ignorant
- Calamity
Poverty is no disgrace to a man, but it is confoundedly inconvenient.

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
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
- Effort
- Courage
- Talent
Solitude cherishes great virtues and destroys little ones.

Sydney Smith
A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.

Sydney Smith
No man can ever end with being superior who will not begin with being inferior.

Sydney Smith
- Man
- Superior
- Inferior
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
- Truth
- Errors
- Circulation

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.

Sydney Smith
- Mistakes
- To Do
- You Can
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
- Nature
- Talent
- Succeed