Quote#Humour & Wit
Good humour is the only shield to keep off the darts of the satirical…
Quote byJames Burgh · 1714–1775
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Dignity of Human Nature (1754).
English (original)
Good humour is the only shield to keep off the darts of the satirical railer: if you have a quiver well stored, and are sure of hitting him between the joints of the harness, do not spare him; but you had better not bend your bow than miss your aim.
— James Burgh
More from James Burgh
Praise your friends, and let your friends praise you.
Insult not another for his want of a talent you possess: He may have others which you want.
Do not endeavour to shine in all companies. Leave room for your hearers to imagine something within you beyond all you have said. And remember, the more you are praised, the more you will be envied.
If you mean to make your side of the argument appear plausible, do not prejudice the people against what you think truth by your passionate manner of defending it.
He who knows the world will not be too bashful. He who knows himself will not be impudent.
If you give a jest, take one. Let all your jokes be truly jokes. Jesting sometimes ends in sad earnest.