...this seems one of those phrases used not for their truth or accuracy, but for antithetic effect, " no man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had." " It is amazing how little Goldsmith knows ; he seldom comes where he is not more ignorant than any...

...this seems one of those phrases used not for their truth or accuracy, but for antithetic effect, " no man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had." " It is amazing how little Goldsmith knows ; he seldom comes where he is not more ignorant than any...

...this seems one of those phrases used not for their truth or accuracy, but for antithetic effect, " no man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had." " It is amazing how little Goldsmith knows; he seldom comes where he is not more ignorant than any...

...argued alone. The same circumstance was noticed by Johnson, and gave rise to the observation, « that no man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had.» •• If it must be admitted that Goldsmith had no talent for oral display, it will not be disputed...

...however, never amount to wisdom. The word wise in the latter part of Johnson's antithesis — ' nobody was more foolish when he had not a pen in 'his hand, or more wise when he had one,' must be taken in a humble sense. Goldsmith did not sink his foundations deep enough to be an...

...him to say he liked gravy ; and Dr. Johnson may close the list with the characteristic remark that no man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, nor more wise when he had. That Goldsmith was not a brilliant converser may be admitted without any...

...when alone.' Waipole, too severely, called him ' an inspired idiot :' and Dr. Johnson observed, ' That no man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, nor more wise when he had.' The strong features of benevolence and humanity that distinguished the...

...when alone.' Waipole, too severely, called him ' an inspired idiot :' and Dr. Johnson observed, ' That no man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, nor more wise when he had.' The strong features of benevolence and humanity that distinguished the...

...argued alone. The same circumstance was noticed by Johnson, and gavo rise to the observation, " that no man was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had." If it must be admitted that Goldsmith had no talent for oral display, it will not be disputed that...

...jealousy of due attention in a manner that often rendered him ridiculous. " No man," said Johnson, " was more foolish when he had not a pen in his hand, or more wise when he had. As a writer he was of the most distinguished abilities. Whatever be composed, he did it better than...