In Proportion as Conversation gets into Clubs and Knots of Friends, it descends into Particulars, and grows more free and communicative: But the most open, instructive, and unreserved Discourse, is that which passes between two Persons who are familiar and intimate Friends.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- The Spectator, no. 68, May 18, 1711; Complete sentence from opening paragraph; entire essay68 read and Addison credit confirmed. Original capitalization. Own prose, distinct from embedded Cicero, Bacon, Sirach, and Martial material. Public domain.
- The Spectator, no. 68, May 18, 1711
More from Joseph Addison
See allReading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body.
Joseph AddisonBut the Mind never unbends itself so agreeably as in the Conversation of a well chosen Friend.Joseph AddisonThe spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.
Th’ unwearied Sun from day to day
Does his Creator’s power display;
And publishes to every land
The work of an Almighty hand.Joseph AddisonSoon as the evening shades prevail,
The Moon takes up the wondrous tale;
And nightly to the listening Earth
Repeats the story of her birth:
Whilst all the stars that round her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole.Joseph AddisonWhat though in solemn silence all
Move round the dark terrestrial ball;
What though nor real voice nor sound
Amidst their radiant orbs be found?
In Reason’s ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice;
For ever singing as they shine,
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Joseph AddisonBut the Mind never unbends itself so agreeably as in the Conversation of a well chosen Friend.Joseph AddisonThe spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.
Th’ unwearied Sun from day to day
Does his Creator’s power display;
And publishes to every land
The work of an Almighty hand.Joseph AddisonSoon as the evening shades prevail,
The Moon takes up the wondrous tale;
And nightly to the listening Earth
Repeats the story of her birth:
Whilst all the stars that round her burn,
And all the planets in their turn,
Confirm the tidings as they roll,
And spread the truth from pole to pole.Joseph AddisonWhat though in solemn silence all
Move round the dark terrestrial ball;
What though nor real voice nor sound
Amidst their radiant orbs be found?
In Reason’s ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice;
For ever singing as they shine,
‘The Hand that made us is divine.’Joseph AddisonMore inspiration
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