All like to be pleased, few to be instructed; hence a severe moralist…

Quote byRichard Duppa · 1770–1831

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Maxims, Reflections, &c. (1830), No. 56.

English (original)

All like to be pleased, few to be instructed; hence a severe moralist is rarely agreeable, while a man of detestable qualities may be well received.

— Richard Duppa

By studying trifles two of the best things in the world are neglected, knowledge, and your own understanding.

To oppose a favourite prejudice is to risk odium, if you succeed, and contempt, if you fail.

We are most pleased with the happiness of others when it arises out of habits similar to our own.

He who praises another, and falls short of what is expected, had better have said nothing.

Who talks from thought and reflection is rarely eloquent; Madame de Staël was the only exception I ever knew to that rule.

Old friends are the best advisers, but seldom the most agreeable, because they are generally regardless of pleasing at the expense of truth.