“It is indeed very possible, that the Persons we laugh at may in the main of their Characters be much wiser Men than our selves; but if they would have us laugh at them, they must fall short of us in those Respects which stir up this Passion.”

No. 47 (24 April 1711).
The Spectator (1711–1714)

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Joseph Addison226

politician, writer and playwright 1672–1719

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