Authors
Joseph Addison
Joseph Addison (1672–1719) was an English essayist, poet, playwright and politician, best known for cofounding the periodical The Spectator with Richard Steele and for his influential essays on manners and literature. His play Cato and journalistic work helped shape 18th-century public opinion and literary taste.
Quotes: 6
Quotes by Joseph Addison

True Greatness Lies Beyond Genius, Fame, or Love
Joseph Addison’s statement invites us to reconsider how we traditionally assess greatness. Often, society places genius, fame, and love on a pedestal—qualities revered for their transformative power and cultural value.
Created on: 7/6/2025

Finding Fulfillment Through Sharing Joy and Easing Pain
Joseph Addison’s succinct advice—“Multiply your joys, divide your sorrows”—captures a philosophy of life centered on human connection. By encouraging the sharing of happiness and the alleviation of hardship, Addison sugg...
Created on: 5/13/2025

The Simple Arithmetic of Joy and Sorrow in Life
Joseph Addison’s succinct advice, ‘Multiply your joys, divide your sorrows,’ encapsulates a vital life philosophy: the art of emotional management through conscious sharing and perspective. By casting our emotional state...
Created on: 5/13/2025

The Art of Sharing: Expanding Joy and Easing Sorrow
Joseph Addison’s counsel to 'multiply your joys, divide your sorrows' encapsulates a timeless approach to emotional wellbeing. Implicit in his words is the idea that happiness grows when shared, while pain lessens when d...
Created on: 5/13/2025

The Foundations of Happiness: Self-Enjoyment as the Key
Joseph Addison’s reflection offers a compelling assertion: genuine happiness is born from the enjoyment of one’s own company. Rather than seeking fulfillment externally, Addison places the onus on internal well-being.
Created on: 5/10/2025

He Who Hesitates Is Lost - Joseph Addison
This quote emphasizes the value of making timely decisions. Hesitation can lead to missed opportunities and negative outcomes, highlighting the necessity of decisiveness in life.
Created on: 9/14/2024