“When I read the epitaphs of the beautiful, every inordinate desire goes out”

Thoughts in Westminster Abbey (1711).
Context: When I read the epitaphs of the beautiful, every inordinate desire goes out; when I meet with the grief of parents upon a tombstone, my heart melts with compassion; when I see the tomb of the parents themselves, I consider the vanity of grieving for those whom we must quickly follow: when I see kings lying by those who deposed them, when I consider rival wits placed side by side, or the holy men that divided the world with their contests and disputes, I reflect with sorrow and astonishment on the little competitions, factions, and debates of mankind.

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update Dec. 31, 2022. History

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Joseph Addison 226
politician, writer and playwright 1672–1719

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