There is one piece of advice, in a life of study, which I think no one will object to; and that is, every now and then to be completely idle—to do nothing at all.

About Sydney Smith

Sydney Smith (3 June 1771 – 22 February 1845) was an English writer and Anglican clergyman, mainly famous for his wit. Besides his energetic parochial work, he was known for his writing and philosophy, founding the Edinburgh Review, lecturing at the Royal Institution and his rhyming salad dressing recipe.

More quotations from Sydney Smith

Live always in the best company when you read.

—Sydney Smith

Never try to reason the prejudice out of a man. It was not reasoned into him, and cannot be reasoned out.

—Sydney Smith

prejudice

Your ignorance, cramps my conversation.

—Sydney Smith

ignorance conversation

Human beings cling to their delicious tyrannies and to their exquisite nonsense, till death stares them in the face.

—Sydney Smith

life death nonsense

You must not think me necessarily foolish because I am facetious, nor will I consider you necessarily wise because you are grave.

—Sydney Smith

wisdom foolishness gravity

History

10 Mar 2025 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

There is one piece of advice, in a life of study, which I think no one will object to; and that is, every now and then to be completely idle - to do nothing at all.