How comes it to pass, then, that we appear such cowards in reasoning, and are so afraid to stand the test of ridicule? - Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury,

'Twas the saying of an ancient sage that humour was the only test of gravity, and gravity of humour. For a subject which would not bear raillery was suspicious; and a jest which would not bear a serious examination was certainly false wit. - Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury,

Truth, 'tis supposed, may bear all lights; and one those principal lights or natural mediums by which things are to be viewed in order to a thorough recognition is ridicule itself.

Men's first thoughts in this matter are generally better than their second; their natural notions better than those refin'd by study, or consultation with casuists. - Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury,

It is the saying of an ancient sage that humor was the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor.

Giving advice is sometimes only showing our wisdom at the expense of others.