Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their own strength. It is in men as in soils, where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of.

— Jonathan Swift

A man should never be ashamed to own that he has been in the wrong which is but saying ... that he is wiser today than yesterday.

— Jonathan Swift

And he gave it for his opinion that whoever could make two ears of corn or two blades of grass to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before would deserve better of mankind and do more essential service to his country than the whole race of politicians put together.

— Jonathan Swift

And he gave it for his opinion, "that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.

— Jonathan Swift

An excuse is a lie guarded.

— Jonathan Swift

As learned commentators viewing Homer more than Homer knew.

— Jonathan Swift

A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart.

— Jonathan Swift

Books, the children of the brain.

— Jonathan Swift

Bread is the staff of life.

— Jonathan Swift

Brutes find out where their talents lie a bear will not attempt to fly.

— Jonathan Swift