# Gulliver's Travels  ## Metadata - Author:: [[Jonathan Swift]] - Full Title:: Gulliver's Travels - Category: #books ## Highlights > Intentions: I desired you would let me know by a Letter, when Party and Faction were extinguished; Judges learned and upright; Pleaders honest and modest, with some Tincture of common Sense; and Smithfield blazing with Pyramids of Law-Books; the young Nobility’s Education entirely changed; the Physicians banished; the Female Yahoos abounding in Virtue, Honour, Truth and good Sense: Courts and Levees of great Ministers thoroughly weeded and swept; Wit, Merit and Learning rewarded; all Disgracers of the Press in Prose and Verse, condemned to eat nothing but their own Cotten, and quench their Thirst with their own Ink. These, and a Thousand other Reformations, I firmly counted upon by your Encouragement; as indeed they were plainly deducible from the Precepts delivered in my Book. And, it must be owned, that seven Months were a sufficient Time to correct every Vice and Folly to which Yahoos are subject; if their Natures had been capable of the least Disposition to Virtue or Wisdom: Yet so far have you been from answering mine Expectation in any of your Letters; that on the contrary, you are loading our Carrier every Week with Libels, and Keys, and Reflections, and Memoirs, and Second Parts; wherein I see myself accused of reflecting upon great States-Folk; of degrading human Nature, (for so they have still the Confidence to stile it) and of abusing the Female Sex. I find likewise, that the Writers of those Bundles are not agreed among themselves; for some of them will not allow me to be Author of mine own Travels; and others make me Author of Books to which I am wholly a Stranger. ([Location 92](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=92)) > that by the Instructions and Example of my illustrious Master, I was able in the Compass of two Years (although I confess with the utmost Difficulty) to remove that infernal Habit of Lying, Shuffling, Deceiving, and Equivocating, so deeply rooted in the very Souls of all my Species; especially the Europeans. ([Location 123](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=123)) > ease my self with making Water; which I very plentifully did, to the great Astonishment of the People, who conjecturing by my Motions what I was going to do, immediately opened to the right and left on that Side, to avoid the Torrent which fell with such Noise and Violence from me. ([Location 256](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=256)) > Left Leg with six and thirty Padlocks. ([Location 293](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=293)) > The best Expedient I could think on, was to creep into my House, which I accordingly did; and shutting the Gate after me, I went as far as the Length of my Chain would suffer; and discharged my Body of that uneasy Load. ([Location 309](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=309)) > ten with Liquor; ([Location 322](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=322)) > High and Low Dutch, Latin, French, Spanish, Italian, and Lingua Franca; ([Location 337](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=337)) > whereby the Secretaries of States got considerable Fees. ([Location 355](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=355)) > six Criminals ([Location 361](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=361)) > were to express my Desire, that he would please to give me my Liberty; which I every Day repeated on my Knees. ([Location 372](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=372)) > my Breeches were at that Time in so ill a Condition, that they afforded some Opportunities for Laughter and Admiration. ([Location 511](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=511)) > that the primitive Way of breaking Eggs before we eat them, was upon the larger End: But his present Majesty’s Grandfather, while he was a Boy, going to eat an Egg, and breaking it according to the ancient Practice, happened to cut one of his Fingers. ([Location 608](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=608)) > Schism in Religion, by offending against a fundamental Doctrine of our great Prophet Lustrog, in the fifty-fourth Chapter of the Brundrecal, (which is their Alcoran.) ([Location 616](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=616)) > That all true Believers shall break their Eggs at the convenient End: ([Location 618](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=618)) > Of so little Weight are the greatest Services to Princes, when put into the Balance with a Refusal to gratify their Passions. ([Location 676](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=676)) > by my labouring to quench them, made the Wine begin to operate by Urine; which I voided in such a Quantity, and applied so well to the proper Places, that in three Minutes the Fire was wholly extinguished; and the rest of that noble Pile, which had cost so many Ages in erecting, preserved from Destruction. ([Location 714](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=714)) > They see with great Exactness, but at no great Distance. ([Location 729](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=729)) > THEY bury their Dead with their Heads directly downwards; because they hold an Opinion, that in eleven Thousand Moons they are all to rise again; in which Period, the Earth (which they conceive to be flat) will turn upside down, and by this Means they shall, at their Resurrection, be found ready standing on their Feet. The Learned among them confess the Absurdity of this Doctrine; but the Practice still continues, in Compliance to the Vulgar. ([Location 736](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=736)) > Honesty hath no Fence against superior Cunning: ([Location 748](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=748)) > And these People thought it a prodigious Defect of Policy among us, when I told them that our Laws were enforced only by Penalties, without any Mention of Reward. It is upon this account that the Image of Justice, in their Courts of Judicature, is formed with six Eyes, two before, as many behind, and on each Side one, to signify Circumspection; with a Bag of Gold open in her right Hand, and a Sword sheathed in her left, to shew she is more disposed to reward than to punish. ([Location 758](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=758)) > For, since Government is necessary to Mankind, they believe that the common Size of human Understandings, is fitted to some Station or other; and that Providence never intended to make the Management of publick Affairs a Mystery, to be comprehended only by a few Persons of sublime Genius, of which there seldom are three born in an Age: But, they suppose Truth, Justice, Temperance, and the like, to be in every Man’s Power; the Practice of which Virtues, assisted by Experience and a good Intention, would qualify any Man for the Service of his Country, except where a Course of Study ([Location 762](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=762)) > Endowments of the Mind, that Employments could never be put into such dangerous Hands as those of Persons so qualified; and at least, that the Mistakes committed by Ignorance in a virtuous Disposition, would never be of such fatal Consequence to the Publick Weal, as the Practices of a Man, whose Inclinations led him to be corrupt, and had great Abilities to manage, to multiply, and defend his Corruptions. ([Location 766](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=766)) > Party and Faction. ([Location 775](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=775)) > INGRATITUDE is among them a capital Crime, as we read it to have been in some other Countries: For they reason thus; that whoever makes ill Returns to his Benefactor, must needs be a common Enemy to the rest of Mankind, from whom he hath received no Obligation; and therefore such a Man is not fit to live. ([Location 776](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=776)) > For which Reason they will never allow, that a Child is under any Obligation to his Father for begetting him, or to his Mother for bringing him into the World; which, considering the Miseries of human life, was neither a Benefit in itself, nor intended so by his Parents, whose Thoughts in their Love-encounters were otherwise employed. ([Location 781](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=781)) > For the Lilliputians think nothing can be more unjust, than that People, in Subservience to their own Appetites, should bring Children into the World, and leave the Burthen of supporting them on the Publick. As to Persons of Quality, they give Security to appropriate a certain Sum for each Child, suitable to their Condition; and these Funds are always managed with good Husbandry, and the most exact Justice. ([Location 815](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=815)) > would please to spare your Life, and only give order to put out both your Eyes; he humbly conceived, that by this Expedient, Justice might in some measure be satisfied, and all the World would applaud the Lenity of the Emperor, as well as the fair and generous Proceedings of those who have the Honour to be his Counsellors. ([Location 923](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=923)) > myself; I should with great Alacrity and Readiness have submitted to so easy a Punishment. ([Location 973](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=973)) > This Envoy had Instructions to represent to the Monarch of Blefuscu, the great Lenity of his Master, who was content to punish me no further than with the Loss of mine Eyes: That I had fled from Justice, and if I did not return in two Hours, I should be deprived of my Title of Nardac, and declared a Traitor. ([Location 1015](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1015)) > wherein although I believed him sincere, yet I resolved never more to put any Confidence in Princes or Ministers, where I could possibly avoid it; and therefore, with all due Acknowledgments for his favourable Intentions, I humbly begged to be excused. ([Location 1025](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1025)) > I must confess no Object ever disgusted me so much as the Sight of her monstrous Breast, which I cannot tell what to compare with, so as to give the curious Reader an Idea of its Bulk, Shape and Colour. It stood prominent six Foot, and could not be less than sixteen in Circumference. The Nipple was about half the Bigness of my Head, and the Hue both of that and the Dug so varified with Spots, Pimples and Freckles, that nothing could appear more nauseous: For I had a near Sight of her, she sitting down the more conveniently to give Suck, and I standing on the Table. ([Location 1218](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1218)) > They all agreed that I could not be produced according to the regular Laws of Nature; because I was not framed with a Capacity of preserving my Life; either by Swiftness, or climbing of Trees, or digging Holes in the Earth. ([Location 1392](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1392)) > how contemptible a Thing was human Grandeur, which could be mimicked by such diminutive Insects as I: And yet, said he, I dare engage, those Creatures have their Titles and Distinctions of Honour; they contrive little Nests and Burrows, that they call Houses and Cities; they make a Figure in Dress and Equipage; they love, they fight, they dispute, they cheat, they betray. And thus he continued on, while my Colour came and went several Times, with Indignation to hear our noble Country, the Mistress of Arts and Arms, the Scourge of France, the Arbitress of Europe, the Seat of Virtue, Piety, Honour and Truth, the Pride and Envy of the World, so contemptuously treated. ([Location 1444](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1444)) > So that I really began to imagine my self dwindled many Degrees below my usual Size. ([Location 1455](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1455)) > The handsomest among these Maids of Honour, a pleasant frolicksome Girl of sixteen, would sometimes set me astride upon one of her Nipples; with many other Tricks, wherein the Reader will excuse me for not being over particular. But, I was so much displeased, that I entreated Glumdalclitch to contrive some excuse for not seeing that young Lady any more. ([Location 1621](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1621)) > When I had done, Glumdalclitch always carried back my Boat into her Closet, and hung it on a Nail to dry. ([Location 1644](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1644)) > This made me reflect, how vain an Attempt it is for a Man to endeavour doing himself Honour among those who are out of all Degree of Equality or Comparison with him. ([Location 1693](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1693)) > protesting I would rather dye a Thousand Deaths than place a dishonourable Part of my Body on those precious Hairs that once adorned her Majesty’s Head. Of these Hairs ([Location 1719](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1719)) > Because this appeared such an exalted Strain of Virtue and publick Spirit, that his Majesty seemed to doubt it might possibly not be always sincere: And he desired to know, whether such zealous Gentlemen could have any Views of refunding themselves for the Charges and Trouble they were at, by sacrificing the publick Good to the Designs of a weak and vicious Prince, in Conjunction with a corrupted Ministry. ([Location 1783](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1783)) > asked me, who were our Creditors? and, where we found Money to pay them? He wondered to hear me talk of such chargeable and extensive Wars; that, certainly we must be a quarrelsome People, or live among very bad Neighbours; and that our Generals must needs be richer than our Kings. ([Location 1799](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1799)) > Above all, he was amazed to hear me talk of a mercenary standing Army in the Midst of Peace, and among a free People. ([Location 1802](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1802)) > HE laughed at my odd Kind of Arithmetick (as he was pleased to call it) in reckoning the Numbers of our People by a Computation drawn from the several Sects among us in Religion and Politicks. He said, he knew no Reason, why those who entertain Opinions prejudicial to the Publick, should be obliged to change, or should not be obliged to conceal them. And, as it was Tyranny in any Government to require the first, so it was Weakness not to enforce the second: For, a Man may be allowed to keep Poisons in his Closet, but not to vend them about as Cordials. ([Location 1806](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1806)) > HE was perfectly astonished with the historical Account I gave him of our Affairs during the last Century; protesting it was only an Heap of Conspiracies, Rebellions, Murders, Massacres, Revolutions, Banishments; the very worst Effects that Avarice, Faction, Hypocrisy, Perfidiousness, Cruelty, Rage, Madness, Hatred, Envy, Lust, Malice, and Ambition could produce. ([Location 1814](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1814)) > You have clearly proved that Ignorance, Idleness, and Vice are the proper Ingredients for qualifying a Legislator. That Laws are best explained, interpreted, and applied by those whose Interest and Abilities lie in perverting, confounding, and eluding them. ([Location 1820](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1820)) > you; I cannot but conclude the Bulk of your Natives, to be the most pernicious Race of little odious Vermin that Nature ever suffered to crawl upon the Surface of the Earth. ([Location 1827](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1827)) > let slip an Opportunity put into his Hands, that would have made him absolute Master of the Lives, the Liberties, and the Fortunes of his People. ([Location 1866](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1866)) > And, he gave it for his Opinion; that whoever could make two Ears of Corn, or two Blades of Grass to grow upon a Spot of Ground where only one grew before; would deserve better of Mankind, and do more essential Service to his Country, than the whole Race of Politicians put together. ([Location 1875](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1875)) > For, in the Course of many Ages they have been troubled with the same Disease, to which the whole Race of Mankind is Subject; the Nobility often contending for Power, the People for Liberty, and the King for absolute Dominion. All which, however happily tempered by the Laws of that Kingdom, have been sometimes violated by each of the three Parties; ([Location 1920](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1920)) > This I mention as an Instance of the great Power of Habit and Prejudice. ([Location 2090](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2090)) > Musick of the Spheres, ([Location 2240](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2240)) > People, nor so slow and perplexed in their Conceptions upon all other Subjects, except those of Mathematicks and Musick. They are very bad Reasoners, and vehemently given to Opposition, unless when they happen to be of the right Opinion, which is seldom their Case. Imagination, Fancy, and Invention, they are wholly Strangers to, nor have any Words in their Language by which those Ideas can be expressed; the whole Compass of their Thoughts and Mind, being shut up within the two forementioned Sciences. ([Location 2253](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2253)) > I could never discover the least Analogy between the two Sciences; unless those People suppose, that because the smallest Circle hath as many Degrees as the largest, therefore the Regulation and Management of the World require no more Abilities than the handling and turning of a Globe. But, I rather take this Quality to spring from a very common Infirmity of human Nature, inclining us to be more curious and conceited in Matters where we have least Concern, and for which we are least adapted either by Study or Nature. ([Location 2260](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2260)) > THIS may perhaps pass with the Reader rather for an European or English Story, than for one of a Country so remote. But he may please to consider, that the Caprices of Womankind are not limited by any Climate or Nation; and that they are much more uniform than can be easily imagined. ([Location 2293](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2293)) > round with an hollow Cylinder of Adamant, ([Location 2318](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2318)) > And the King, when he is highest provoked, and most determined to press a City to Rubbish, orders the Island to descend with great Gentleness, out of a Pretence of Tenderness to his People, but indeed for fear of breaking the Adamantine Bottom; in which Case it is the Opinion of all their Philosophers, that the Load-stone could no longer hold it up, and the whole Mass would fall to the Ground. ([Location 2371](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2371)) > I WAS assured by a great Minister, that if the Island had descended so near the Town, as not to be able to raise it self, the Citizens were determined to fix it for ever, to kill the King and all his Servants, and entirely change the Government. ([Location 2398](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2398)) > THERE was a great Lord at Court, nearly related to the King, and for that Reason alone used with respect. He was universally reckoned the most ignorant and stupid Person among them. He had performed many eminent Services for the Crown, had great natural and acquired Parts, adorned with Integrity and Honour; but so ill an Ear for Musick, that his Detractors reported he had been often known to beat Time in the wrong Place; neither could his Tutors without extreme ([Location 2413](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2413)) > The only Inconvenience is, that none of these Projects are yet brought to Perfection; ([Location 2469](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2469)) > Truth; ([Location 2487](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2487)) > for I had my self been a Sort of Projector in my younger Days. ([Location 2487](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2487)) > IN the School of political Projectors I was but ill entertained; the Professors appearing in my Judgment wholly out of their Senses; which is a Scene that never fails to make me melancholy. These unhappy People were proposing Schemes for persuading Monarchs to chuse Favourites upon the Score of their Wisdom, Capacity and Virtue; of teaching Ministers to consult the publick Good; of rewarding Merit, great Abilities, and eminent Services; of instructing Princes to know their true Interest, by placing it on the same Foundation with that of their People: Of chusing for Employments Persons qualified to exercise them; with many other wild impossible Chimæras, that never entered before into the Heart of Man to conceive; and confirmed in me the old Observation, that there is nothing so extravagant and irrational which some Philosophers have not maintained for Truth. ([Location 2595](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2595)) > HE likewise directed, that every Senator in the great Council of a Nation, after he had delivered his Opinion, and argued in the Defence of it, should be obliged to give his Vote directly contrary; because if that were done, the Result would infallibly terminate in the Good of the Publick. ([Location 2623](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2623)) > But, as to Honour, Justice, Wisdom and Learning, they should not be taxed at all; because, they are Qualifications of so singular a Kind, that no Man will either allow them in his Neighbour, or value them in himself ([Location 2640](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2640)) > But Constancy, Chastity, good Sense, and good Nature were not rated, because they would not bear the Charge of Collecting. ([Location 2643](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2643)) > Men are never so serious, thoughtful, and intent, as when they are at Stool; ([Location 2650](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2650)) > I desired that the Senate of Rome might appear before me in one large Chamber, and a modern Representative, in Counterview, in another. The first seemed to be an Assembly of Heroes and Demy-Gods; the other a Knot of Pedlars, Pick-pockets, Highwaymen and Bullies. ([Location 2723](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2723)) > from a Ghost, who shall be nameless, that these Commentators always kept in the most distant Quarters from their Principals in the lower World, through a Consciousness of Shame and Guilt, because they had so horribly misrepresented the Meaning of those Authors to Posterity. ([Location 2743](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2743)) > I found how the World had been misled by prostitute Writers, to ascribe the greatest Exploits in War to Cowards, the wisest Counsel to Fools, Sincerity to Flatterers, Roman Virtue to Betrayers of their Country, Piety to Atheists, Chastity to Sodomites, Truth to Informers. ([Location 2770](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2770)) > (for I hope the Reader need not be told that I do not in the least intend my own Country in what I say upon this Occasion) ([Location 2787](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2787)) > I hope I may be pardoned if these Discoveries inclined me a little to abate of that profound Veneration which I am naturally apt to pay to Persons of high Rank, who ought to be treated with the utmost Respect due to their sublime Dignity, by us their Inferiors. ([Location 2792](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2792)) > when I considered how all these pure native Virtues were prostituted for a Piece of Money by their Grand-children; who in selling their Votes, and managing at Elections have acquired every Vice and Corruption that can possibly be learned in a Court. ([Location 2816](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2816)) > to lick the Dust before his Footstool. This is the Court Style, and I found it to be more than Matter of Form: For upon my Admittance two Days after my Arrival, I was commanded to crawl upon my Belly, and lick the Floor as I advanced; ([Location 2845](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2845)) > Kingdom relating to the Struldbruggs, were founded upon the strongest Reasons, and such as any other Country would be under the Necessity of enacting in the like Circumstances. Otherwise, as Avarice is the necessary Consequent of old Age, those Immortals would in time become Proprietors of the whole Nation, and engross the Civil Power; which, for want of Abilities to manage, must end in the Ruin of the Publick. ([Location 2991](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2991)) > Majesty would condescend to excuse my performing the Ceremony imposed on my Countrymen, of tramping upon the Crucifix; because I had been thrown into his Kingdom by my Misfortunes, without any Intention of trading. When this latter Petition was interpreted to the Emperor, he seemed a little surprised; and said, he believed I was the first of my Countrymen who ever made any Scruple in this Point; and that he began to doubt whether I were a real Hollander or no; but rather suspected I must be a CHRISTIAN. ([Location 3022](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3022)) > Down on the rest of their Bodies, except about the Anus, and Pudenda. Their Dugs hung between their fore Feet, and often reached almost to the Ground as they walked. ([Location 3093](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3093)) > Because a Soldier is a Yahoo hired to kill in cold Blood as many of his own Species, who have never offended him, as possibly he can. ([Location 3426](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3426)) > I SAID there was a Society of Men among us, bred up from their Youth in the Art of proving by Words multiplied for the Purpose, that White is Black, and Black is White, according as they are paid. To this Society all the rest of the People are Slaves. ([Location 3456](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3456)) > For he went upon a Supposition that all Animals had a Title to their Share in the Productions of the Earth; and especially those who presided over the rest. ([Location 3499](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3499)) > Their next Business is, from Herbs, Minerals, Gums, Oyls, Shells, Salts, Juices, Sea-weed, Excrements, Barks of Trees, Serpents, Toads, Frogs, Spiders, dead Mens Flesh and Bones, Beasts and Fishes, to form a Composition fur Smell and Taste the most abominable, nauseous and detestable, that they can possibly contrive, which the Stomach immediately rejects with Loathing: And this they call a Vomit. ([Location 3533](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3533)) > false Prophets, they know how to approve their Sagacity to the World by a seasonable Dose. ([Location 3546](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3546)) > HE is usually governed by a decayed Wench, or favourite Footman, who are the Tunnels through which all Graces are conveyed, and may properly be called, in the last Resort, the Governors of the Kingdom. ([Location 3567](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3567)) > That, the Productions of such Marriages are generally scrophulous, rickety or deformed Children; by which Means the Family seldom continues above three Generations, unless the Wife take Care to provide a healthy Father among her Neighbours, or Domesticks, in order to improve and continue the Breed. That, a weak diseased Body, a meager Countenance, and sallow Complexion, are the true Marks of noble Blood; and a healthy robust Appearance is so disgraceful in a Man of Quality, that the World concludes his real Father to have been a Groom or a Coachman. ([Location 3581](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3581)) > As these noble Houyhnhnms are endowed by Nature with a general Disposition to all Virtues, and have no Conceptions or Ideas of what is evil in a rational Creature; so their grand Maxim is, to cultivate Reason, and to be wholly governed by it. Neither is Reason among them a Point problematical as with us, where Men can argue with Plausibility on both Sides of a Question; ([Location 3740](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3740)) > Here was neither Physician to destroy my Body, nor Lawyer to ruin my Fortune: No Informer to watch my Words and Actions, or forge Accusations against me for Hire: Here were no Gibers, Censurers, Backbiters, Pick-pockets, Highwaymen, House-breakers, Attorneys, Bawds, Buffoons, Gamesters, Politicians, Wits, Spleneticks, tedious Talkers, Controvertists, Ravishers, Murderers, Robbers, Virtuoso’s; no Leaders or Followers of Party and Faction; no Encouragers to Vice, by Seducement or Examples: No Dungeon, Axes, Gibbets, Whipping-posts, or Pillories; No cheating Shopkeepers or Mechanicks: No Pride, Vanity or Affectation: No Fops, Bullies, Drunkards, strolling Whores, or Poxes: No ranting, lewd, expensive Wives: No stupid, proud Pedants: No importunate, over-bearing, quarrelsome, noisy, roaring, empty, conceited, swearing Companions: No Scoundrels raised from the Dust upon the Merit of their Vices; or Nobility thrown into it on account of their Virtues: No Lords, Fidlers, Judges or Dancing-masters. ([Location 3881](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3881)) > WHEN I thought of my Family, my Friends, my Countrymen, or human Race in general, I considered them as they really were, Yahoos in Shape and Disposition, perhaps a little more civilized, and qualified with the Gift of Speech; but making no other Use of Reason, than to improve and multiply those Vices, whereof their Brethren in this Country had only the Share that Nature allotted them. ([Location 3909](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3909)) > My Sail was likewise composed of the Skins of the same Animal; but I made use of the youngest I could get, the older being too tough and thick; and I likewise provided myself with four Paddles. ([Location 3961](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3961)) > I fell on my Knees to preserve my Liberty; but all was in vain, and the Men having tied me with Cords, heaved me into the Boat, from whence I was taken into the Ship, and from thence into the Captain’s Cabbin. ([Location 4034](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=4034)) > And when I began to consider, that by copulating with one of the Yahoo-Species, I had become a Parent of more; it struck me with the utmost Shame, Confusion and Horror. ([Location 4084](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=4084)) > BUT, I had another Reason which made me less forward to enlarge his Majesy’s Dominions by my Discoveries: To say the Truth, I had conceived a few Scruples with relation to the distributive Justice of Princes upon those Occasions. For Instance, A Crew of Pyrates are driven by a Storm they know not whither; at length a Boy discovers Land from the Top-mast; they go on Shore to rob and plunder; they see an harmless People, are entertained with Kindness, they give the Country a new Name, they take formal Possession of it for the King, they set up a rotten Plank or a Stone for a Memorial, they murder two or three Dozen of the Natives, bring away a Couple more by Force for a Sample, return home, and get their Pardon. Here commences a new Dominion acquired with a Title by Divine Right. Ships are sent with the first Opportunity; the Natives driven out or destroyed, their Princes tortured to discover their Gold; a free Licence given to all Acts of Inhumanity and Lust; the Earth reeking with the Blood of its Inhabitants: And this execrable Crew of Butchers employed in so pious an Expedition, is a modern Colony sent to convert and civilize an idolatrous and barbarous People. ([Location 4145](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=4145)) > BUT the Houyhnhnms, who live under the Government of Reason, are no more proud of the good Qualities they possess, than I should be for not wanting a Leg or an Arm, which no Man in his Wits would boast of, although he must be miserable without them. I dwell the longer upon this Subject from the Desire I have to make the Society of an English Yahoo by any Means not insupportable; and therefore I here intreat those who have any Tincture of this absurd Vice, that they will not presume to appear in my Sight. ([Location 4183](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=4183)) # Gulliver's Travels  ## Metadata - Author:: [[Jonathan Swift]] - Full Title:: Gulliver's Travels - Category: #books ## Highlights > Intentions: I desired you would let me know by a Letter, when Party and Faction were extinguished; Judges learned and upright; Pleaders honest and modest, with some Tincture of common Sense; and Smithfield blazing with Pyramids of Law-Books; the young Nobility’s Education entirely changed; the Physicians banished; the Female Yahoos abounding in Virtue, Honour, Truth and good Sense: Courts and Levees of great Ministers thoroughly weeded and swept; Wit, Merit and Learning rewarded; all Disgracers of the Press in Prose and Verse, condemned to eat nothing but their own Cotten, and quench their Thirst with their own Ink. These, and a Thousand other Reformations, I firmly counted upon by your Encouragement; as indeed they were plainly deducible from the Precepts delivered in my Book. And, it must be owned, that seven Months were a sufficient Time to correct every Vice and Folly to which Yahoos are subject; if their Natures had been capable of the least Disposition to Virtue or Wisdom: Yet so far have you been from answering mine Expectation in any of your Letters; that on the contrary, you are loading our Carrier every Week with Libels, and Keys, and Reflections, and Memoirs, and Second Parts; wherein I see myself accused of reflecting upon great States-Folk; of degrading human Nature, (for so they have still the Confidence to stile it) and of abusing the Female Sex. I find likewise, that the Writers of those Bundles are not agreed among themselves; for some of them will not allow me to be Author of mine own Travels; and others make me Author of Books to which I am wholly a Stranger. ([Location 92](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=92)) > that by the Instructions and Example of my illustrious Master, I was able in the Compass of two Years (although I confess with the utmost Difficulty) to remove that infernal Habit of Lying, Shuffling, Deceiving, and Equivocating, so deeply rooted in the very Souls of all my Species; especially the Europeans. ([Location 123](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=123)) > ease my self with making Water; which I very plentifully did, to the great Astonishment of the People, who conjecturing by my Motions what I was going to do, immediately opened to the right and left on that Side, to avoid the Torrent which fell with such Noise and Violence from me. ([Location 256](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=256)) > Left Leg with six and thirty Padlocks. ([Location 293](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=293)) > The best Expedient I could think on, was to creep into my House, which I accordingly did; and shutting the Gate after me, I went as far as the Length of my Chain would suffer; and discharged my Body of that uneasy Load. ([Location 309](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=309)) > ten with Liquor; ([Location 322](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=322)) > High and Low Dutch, Latin, French, Spanish, Italian, and Lingua Franca; ([Location 337](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=337)) > whereby the Secretaries of States got considerable Fees. ([Location 355](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=355)) > six Criminals ([Location 361](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=361)) > were to express my Desire, that he would please to give me my Liberty; which I every Day repeated on my Knees. ([Location 372](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=372)) > my Breeches were at that Time in so ill a Condition, that they afforded some Opportunities for Laughter and Admiration. ([Location 511](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=511)) > that the primitive Way of breaking Eggs before we eat them, was upon the larger End: But his present Majesty’s Grandfather, while he was a Boy, going to eat an Egg, and breaking it according to the ancient Practice, happened to cut one of his Fingers. ([Location 608](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=608)) > Schism in Religion, by offending against a fundamental Doctrine of our great Prophet Lustrog, in the fifty-fourth Chapter of the Brundrecal, (which is their Alcoran.) ([Location 616](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=616)) > That all true Believers shall break their Eggs at the convenient End: ([Location 618](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=618)) > Of so little Weight are the greatest Services to Princes, when put into the Balance with a Refusal to gratify their Passions. ([Location 676](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=676)) > by my labouring to quench them, made the Wine begin to operate by Urine; which I voided in such a Quantity, and applied so well to the proper Places, that in three Minutes the Fire was wholly extinguished; and the rest of that noble Pile, which had cost so many Ages in erecting, preserved from Destruction. ([Location 714](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=714)) > They see with great Exactness, but at no great Distance. ([Location 729](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=729)) > THEY bury their Dead with their Heads directly downwards; because they hold an Opinion, that in eleven Thousand Moons they are all to rise again; in which Period, the Earth (which they conceive to be flat) will turn upside down, and by this Means they shall, at their Resurrection, be found ready standing on their Feet. The Learned among them confess the Absurdity of this Doctrine; but the Practice still continues, in Compliance to the Vulgar. ([Location 736](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=736)) > Honesty hath no Fence against superior Cunning: ([Location 748](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=748)) > And these People thought it a prodigious Defect of Policy among us, when I told them that our Laws were enforced only by Penalties, without any Mention of Reward. It is upon this account that the Image of Justice, in their Courts of Judicature, is formed with six Eyes, two before, as many behind, and on each Side one, to signify Circumspection; with a Bag of Gold open in her right Hand, and a Sword sheathed in her left, to shew she is more disposed to reward than to punish. ([Location 758](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=758)) > For, since Government is necessary to Mankind, they believe that the common Size of human Understandings, is fitted to some Station or other; and that Providence never intended to make the Management of publick Affairs a Mystery, to be comprehended only by a few Persons of sublime Genius, of which there seldom are three born in an Age: But, they suppose Truth, Justice, Temperance, and the like, to be in every Man’s Power; the Practice of which Virtues, assisted by Experience and a good Intention, would qualify any Man for the Service of his Country, except where a Course of Study ([Location 762](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=762)) > Endowments of the Mind, that Employments could never be put into such dangerous Hands as those of Persons so qualified; and at least, that the Mistakes committed by Ignorance in a virtuous Disposition, would never be of such fatal Consequence to the Publick Weal, as the Practices of a Man, whose Inclinations led him to be corrupt, and had great Abilities to manage, to multiply, and defend his Corruptions. ([Location 766](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=766)) > Party and Faction. ([Location 775](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=775)) > INGRATITUDE is among them a capital Crime, as we read it to have been in some other Countries: For they reason thus; that whoever makes ill Returns to his Benefactor, must needs be a common Enemy to the rest of Mankind, from whom he hath received no Obligation; and therefore such a Man is not fit to live. ([Location 776](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=776)) > For which Reason they will never allow, that a Child is under any Obligation to his Father for begetting him, or to his Mother for bringing him into the World; which, considering the Miseries of human life, was neither a Benefit in itself, nor intended so by his Parents, whose Thoughts in their Love-encounters were otherwise employed. ([Location 781](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=781)) > For the Lilliputians think nothing can be more unjust, than that People, in Subservience to their own Appetites, should bring Children into the World, and leave the Burthen of supporting them on the Publick. As to Persons of Quality, they give Security to appropriate a certain Sum for each Child, suitable to their Condition; and these Funds are always managed with good Husbandry, and the most exact Justice. ([Location 815](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=815)) > would please to spare your Life, and only give order to put out both your Eyes; he humbly conceived, that by this Expedient, Justice might in some measure be satisfied, and all the World would applaud the Lenity of the Emperor, as well as the fair and generous Proceedings of those who have the Honour to be his Counsellors. ([Location 923](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=923)) > myself; I should with great Alacrity and Readiness have submitted to so easy a Punishment. ([Location 973](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=973)) > This Envoy had Instructions to represent to the Monarch of Blefuscu, the great Lenity of his Master, who was content to punish me no further than with the Loss of mine Eyes: That I had fled from Justice, and if I did not return in two Hours, I should be deprived of my Title of Nardac, and declared a Traitor. ([Location 1015](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1015)) > wherein although I believed him sincere, yet I resolved never more to put any Confidence in Princes or Ministers, where I could possibly avoid it; and therefore, with all due Acknowledgments for his favourable Intentions, I humbly begged to be excused. ([Location 1025](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1025)) > I must confess no Object ever disgusted me so much as the Sight of her monstrous Breast, which I cannot tell what to compare with, so as to give the curious Reader an Idea of its Bulk, Shape and Colour. It stood prominent six Foot, and could not be less than sixteen in Circumference. The Nipple was about half the Bigness of my Head, and the Hue both of that and the Dug so varified with Spots, Pimples and Freckles, that nothing could appear more nauseous: For I had a near Sight of her, she sitting down the more conveniently to give Suck, and I standing on the Table. ([Location 1218](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1218)) > They all agreed that I could not be produced according to the regular Laws of Nature; because I was not framed with a Capacity of preserving my Life; either by Swiftness, or climbing of Trees, or digging Holes in the Earth. ([Location 1392](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1392)) > how contemptible a Thing was human Grandeur, which could be mimicked by such diminutive Insects as I: And yet, said he, I dare engage, those Creatures have their Titles and Distinctions of Honour; they contrive little Nests and Burrows, that they call Houses and Cities; they make a Figure in Dress and Equipage; they love, they fight, they dispute, they cheat, they betray. And thus he continued on, while my Colour came and went several Times, with Indignation to hear our noble Country, the Mistress of Arts and Arms, the Scourge of France, the Arbitress of Europe, the Seat of Virtue, Piety, Honour and Truth, the Pride and Envy of the World, so contemptuously treated. ([Location 1444](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1444)) > So that I really began to imagine my self dwindled many Degrees below my usual Size. ([Location 1455](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1455)) > The handsomest among these Maids of Honour, a pleasant frolicksome Girl of sixteen, would sometimes set me astride upon one of her Nipples; with many other Tricks, wherein the Reader will excuse me for not being over particular. But, I was so much displeased, that I entreated Glumdalclitch to contrive some excuse for not seeing that young Lady any more. ([Location 1621](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1621)) > When I had done, Glumdalclitch always carried back my Boat into her Closet, and hung it on a Nail to dry. ([Location 1644](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1644)) > This made me reflect, how vain an Attempt it is for a Man to endeavour doing himself Honour among those who are out of all Degree of Equality or Comparison with him. ([Location 1693](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1693)) > protesting I would rather dye a Thousand Deaths than place a dishonourable Part of my Body on those precious Hairs that once adorned her Majesty’s Head. Of these Hairs ([Location 1719](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1719)) > Because this appeared such an exalted Strain of Virtue and publick Spirit, that his Majesty seemed to doubt it might possibly not be always sincere: And he desired to know, whether such zealous Gentlemen could have any Views of refunding themselves for the Charges and Trouble they were at, by sacrificing the publick Good to the Designs of a weak and vicious Prince, in Conjunction with a corrupted Ministry. ([Location 1783](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1783)) > asked me, who were our Creditors? and, where we found Money to pay them? He wondered to hear me talk of such chargeable and extensive Wars; that, certainly we must be a quarrelsome People, or live among very bad Neighbours; and that our Generals must needs be richer than our Kings. ([Location 1799](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1799)) > Above all, he was amazed to hear me talk of a mercenary standing Army in the Midst of Peace, and among a free People. ([Location 1802](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1802)) > HE laughed at my odd Kind of Arithmetick (as he was pleased to call it) in reckoning the Numbers of our People by a Computation drawn from the several Sects among us in Religion and Politicks. He said, he knew no Reason, why those who entertain Opinions prejudicial to the Publick, should be obliged to change, or should not be obliged to conceal them. And, as it was Tyranny in any Government to require the first, so it was Weakness not to enforce the second: For, a Man may be allowed to keep Poisons in his Closet, but not to vend them about as Cordials. ([Location 1806](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1806)) > HE was perfectly astonished with the historical Account I gave him of our Affairs during the last Century; protesting it was only an Heap of Conspiracies, Rebellions, Murders, Massacres, Revolutions, Banishments; the very worst Effects that Avarice, Faction, Hypocrisy, Perfidiousness, Cruelty, Rage, Madness, Hatred, Envy, Lust, Malice, and Ambition could produce. ([Location 1814](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1814)) > You have clearly proved that Ignorance, Idleness, and Vice are the proper Ingredients for qualifying a Legislator. That Laws are best explained, interpreted, and applied by those whose Interest and Abilities lie in perverting, confounding, and eluding them. ([Location 1820](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1820)) > you; I cannot but conclude the Bulk of your Natives, to be the most pernicious Race of little odious Vermin that Nature ever suffered to crawl upon the Surface of the Earth. ([Location 1827](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1827)) > let slip an Opportunity put into his Hands, that would have made him absolute Master of the Lives, the Liberties, and the Fortunes of his People. ([Location 1866](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1866)) > And, he gave it for his Opinion; that whoever could make two Ears of Corn, or two Blades of Grass to grow upon a Spot of Ground where only one grew before; would deserve better of Mankind, and do more essential Service to his Country, than the whole Race of Politicians put together. ([Location 1875](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1875)) > For, in the Course of many Ages they have been troubled with the same Disease, to which the whole Race of Mankind is Subject; the Nobility often contending for Power, the People for Liberty, and the King for absolute Dominion. All which, however happily tempered by the Laws of that Kingdom, have been sometimes violated by each of the three Parties; ([Location 1920](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=1920)) > This I mention as an Instance of the great Power of Habit and Prejudice. ([Location 2090](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2090)) > Musick of the Spheres, ([Location 2240](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2240)) > People, nor so slow and perplexed in their Conceptions upon all other Subjects, except those of Mathematicks and Musick. They are very bad Reasoners, and vehemently given to Opposition, unless when they happen to be of the right Opinion, which is seldom their Case. Imagination, Fancy, and Invention, they are wholly Strangers to, nor have any Words in their Language by which those Ideas can be expressed; the whole Compass of their Thoughts and Mind, being shut up within the two forementioned Sciences. ([Location 2253](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2253)) > I could never discover the least Analogy between the two Sciences; unless those People suppose, that because the smallest Circle hath as many Degrees as the largest, therefore the Regulation and Management of the World require no more Abilities than the handling and turning of a Globe. But, I rather take this Quality to spring from a very common Infirmity of human Nature, inclining us to be more curious and conceited in Matters where we have least Concern, and for which we are least adapted either by Study or Nature. ([Location 2260](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2260)) > THIS may perhaps pass with the Reader rather for an European or English Story, than for one of a Country so remote. But he may please to consider, that the Caprices of Womankind are not limited by any Climate or Nation; and that they are much more uniform than can be easily imagined. ([Location 2293](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2293)) > round with an hollow Cylinder of Adamant, ([Location 2318](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2318)) > And the King, when he is highest provoked, and most determined to press a City to Rubbish, orders the Island to descend with great Gentleness, out of a Pretence of Tenderness to his People, but indeed for fear of breaking the Adamantine Bottom; in which Case it is the Opinion of all their Philosophers, that the Load-stone could no longer hold it up, and the whole Mass would fall to the Ground. ([Location 2371](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2371)) > I WAS assured by a great Minister, that if the Island had descended so near the Town, as not to be able to raise it self, the Citizens were determined to fix it for ever, to kill the King and all his Servants, and entirely change the Government. ([Location 2398](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2398)) > THERE was a great Lord at Court, nearly related to the King, and for that Reason alone used with respect. He was universally reckoned the most ignorant and stupid Person among them. He had performed many eminent Services for the Crown, had great natural and acquired Parts, adorned with Integrity and Honour; but so ill an Ear for Musick, that his Detractors reported he had been often known to beat Time in the wrong Place; neither could his Tutors without extreme ([Location 2413](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2413)) > The only Inconvenience is, that none of these Projects are yet brought to Perfection; ([Location 2469](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2469)) > Truth; ([Location 2487](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2487)) > for I had my self been a Sort of Projector in my younger Days. ([Location 2487](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2487)) > IN the School of political Projectors I was but ill entertained; the Professors appearing in my Judgment wholly out of their Senses; which is a Scene that never fails to make me melancholy. These unhappy People were proposing Schemes for persuading Monarchs to chuse Favourites upon the Score of their Wisdom, Capacity and Virtue; of teaching Ministers to consult the publick Good; of rewarding Merit, great Abilities, and eminent Services; of instructing Princes to know their true Interest, by placing it on the same Foundation with that of their People: Of chusing for Employments Persons qualified to exercise them; with many other wild impossible Chimæras, that never entered before into the Heart of Man to conceive; and confirmed in me the old Observation, that there is nothing so extravagant and irrational which some Philosophers have not maintained for Truth. ([Location 2595](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2595)) > HE likewise directed, that every Senator in the great Council of a Nation, after he had delivered his Opinion, and argued in the Defence of it, should be obliged to give his Vote directly contrary; because if that were done, the Result would infallibly terminate in the Good of the Publick. ([Location 2623](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2623)) > But, as to Honour, Justice, Wisdom and Learning, they should not be taxed at all; because, they are Qualifications of so singular a Kind, that no Man will either allow them in his Neighbour, or value them in himself ([Location 2640](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2640)) > But Constancy, Chastity, good Sense, and good Nature were not rated, because they would not bear the Charge of Collecting. ([Location 2643](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2643)) > Men are never so serious, thoughtful, and intent, as when they are at Stool; ([Location 2650](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2650)) > I desired that the Senate of Rome might appear before me in one large Chamber, and a modern Representative, in Counterview, in another. The first seemed to be an Assembly of Heroes and Demy-Gods; the other a Knot of Pedlars, Pick-pockets, Highwaymen and Bullies. ([Location 2723](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2723)) > from a Ghost, who shall be nameless, that these Commentators always kept in the most distant Quarters from their Principals in the lower World, through a Consciousness of Shame and Guilt, because they had so horribly misrepresented the Meaning of those Authors to Posterity. ([Location 2743](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2743)) > I found how the World had been misled by prostitute Writers, to ascribe the greatest Exploits in War to Cowards, the wisest Counsel to Fools, Sincerity to Flatterers, Roman Virtue to Betrayers of their Country, Piety to Atheists, Chastity to Sodomites, Truth to Informers. ([Location 2770](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2770)) > (for I hope the Reader need not be told that I do not in the least intend my own Country in what I say upon this Occasion) ([Location 2787](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2787)) > I hope I may be pardoned if these Discoveries inclined me a little to abate of that profound Veneration which I am naturally apt to pay to Persons of high Rank, who ought to be treated with the utmost Respect due to their sublime Dignity, by us their Inferiors. ([Location 2792](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2792)) > when I considered how all these pure native Virtues were prostituted for a Piece of Money by their Grand-children; who in selling their Votes, and managing at Elections have acquired every Vice and Corruption that can possibly be learned in a Court. ([Location 2816](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2816)) > to lick the Dust before his Footstool. This is the Court Style, and I found it to be more than Matter of Form: For upon my Admittance two Days after my Arrival, I was commanded to crawl upon my Belly, and lick the Floor as I advanced; ([Location 2845](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2845)) > Kingdom relating to the Struldbruggs, were founded upon the strongest Reasons, and such as any other Country would be under the Necessity of enacting in the like Circumstances. Otherwise, as Avarice is the necessary Consequent of old Age, those Immortals would in time become Proprietors of the whole Nation, and engross the Civil Power; which, for want of Abilities to manage, must end in the Ruin of the Publick. ([Location 2991](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=2991)) > Majesty would condescend to excuse my performing the Ceremony imposed on my Countrymen, of tramping upon the Crucifix; because I had been thrown into his Kingdom by my Misfortunes, without any Intention of trading. When this latter Petition was interpreted to the Emperor, he seemed a little surprised; and said, he believed I was the first of my Countrymen who ever made any Scruple in this Point; and that he began to doubt whether I were a real Hollander or no; but rather suspected I must be a CHRISTIAN. ([Location 3022](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3022)) > Down on the rest of their Bodies, except about the Anus, and Pudenda. Their Dugs hung between their fore Feet, and often reached almost to the Ground as they walked. ([Location 3093](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3093)) > Because a Soldier is a Yahoo hired to kill in cold Blood as many of his own Species, who have never offended him, as possibly he can. ([Location 3426](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3426)) > I SAID there was a Society of Men among us, bred up from their Youth in the Art of proving by Words multiplied for the Purpose, that White is Black, and Black is White, according as they are paid. To this Society all the rest of the People are Slaves. ([Location 3456](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3456)) > For he went upon a Supposition that all Animals had a Title to their Share in the Productions of the Earth; and especially those who presided over the rest. ([Location 3499](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3499)) > Their next Business is, from Herbs, Minerals, Gums, Oyls, Shells, Salts, Juices, Sea-weed, Excrements, Barks of Trees, Serpents, Toads, Frogs, Spiders, dead Mens Flesh and Bones, Beasts and Fishes, to form a Composition fur Smell and Taste the most abominable, nauseous and detestable, that they can possibly contrive, which the Stomach immediately rejects with Loathing: And this they call a Vomit. ([Location 3533](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3533)) > false Prophets, they know how to approve their Sagacity to the World by a seasonable Dose. ([Location 3546](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3546)) > HE is usually governed by a decayed Wench, or favourite Footman, who are the Tunnels through which all Graces are conveyed, and may properly be called, in the last Resort, the Governors of the Kingdom. ([Location 3567](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3567)) > That, the Productions of such Marriages are generally scrophulous, rickety or deformed Children; by which Means the Family seldom continues above three Generations, unless the Wife take Care to provide a healthy Father among her Neighbours, or Domesticks, in order to improve and continue the Breed. That, a weak diseased Body, a meager Countenance, and sallow Complexion, are the true Marks of noble Blood; and a healthy robust Appearance is so disgraceful in a Man of Quality, that the World concludes his real Father to have been a Groom or a Coachman. ([Location 3581](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3581)) > As these noble Houyhnhnms are endowed by Nature with a general Disposition to all Virtues, and have no Conceptions or Ideas of what is evil in a rational Creature; so their grand Maxim is, to cultivate Reason, and to be wholly governed by it. Neither is Reason among them a Point problematical as with us, where Men can argue with Plausibility on both Sides of a Question; ([Location 3740](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3740)) > Here was neither Physician to destroy my Body, nor Lawyer to ruin my Fortune: No Informer to watch my Words and Actions, or forge Accusations against me for Hire: Here were no Gibers, Censurers, Backbiters, Pick-pockets, Highwaymen, House-breakers, Attorneys, Bawds, Buffoons, Gamesters, Politicians, Wits, Spleneticks, tedious Talkers, Controvertists, Ravishers, Murderers, Robbers, Virtuoso’s; no Leaders or Followers of Party and Faction; no Encouragers to Vice, by Seducement or Examples: No Dungeon, Axes, Gibbets, Whipping-posts, or Pillories; No cheating Shopkeepers or Mechanicks: No Pride, Vanity or Affectation: No Fops, Bullies, Drunkards, strolling Whores, or Poxes: No ranting, lewd, expensive Wives: No stupid, proud Pedants: No importunate, over-bearing, quarrelsome, noisy, roaring, empty, conceited, swearing Companions: No Scoundrels raised from the Dust upon the Merit of their Vices; or Nobility thrown into it on account of their Virtues: No Lords, Fidlers, Judges or Dancing-masters. ([Location 3881](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3881)) > WHEN I thought of my Family, my Friends, my Countrymen, or human Race in general, I considered them as they really were, Yahoos in Shape and Disposition, perhaps a little more civilized, and qualified with the Gift of Speech; but making no other Use of Reason, than to improve and multiply those Vices, whereof their Brethren in this Country had only the Share that Nature allotted them. ([Location 3909](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3909)) > My Sail was likewise composed of the Skins of the same Animal; but I made use of the youngest I could get, the older being too tough and thick; and I likewise provided myself with four Paddles. ([Location 3961](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=3961)) > I fell on my Knees to preserve my Liberty; but all was in vain, and the Men having tied me with Cords, heaved me into the Boat, from whence I was taken into the Ship, and from thence into the Captain’s Cabbin. ([Location 4034](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=4034)) > And when I began to consider, that by copulating with one of the Yahoo-Species, I had become a Parent of more; it struck me with the utmost Shame, Confusion and Horror. ([Location 4084](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=4084)) > BUT, I had another Reason which made me less forward to enlarge his Majesy’s Dominions by my Discoveries: To say the Truth, I had conceived a few Scruples with relation to the distributive Justice of Princes upon those Occasions. For Instance, A Crew of Pyrates are driven by a Storm they know not whither; at length a Boy discovers Land from the Top-mast; they go on Shore to rob and plunder; they see an harmless People, are entertained with Kindness, they give the Country a new Name, they take formal Possession of it for the King, they set up a rotten Plank or a Stone for a Memorial, they murder two or three Dozen of the Natives, bring away a Couple more by Force for a Sample, return home, and get their Pardon. Here commences a new Dominion acquired with a Title by Divine Right. Ships are sent with the first Opportunity; the Natives driven out or destroyed, their Princes tortured to discover their Gold; a free Licence given to all Acts of Inhumanity and Lust; the Earth reeking with the Blood of its Inhabitants: And this execrable Crew of Butchers employed in so pious an Expedition, is a modern Colony sent to convert and civilize an idolatrous and barbarous People. ([Location 4145](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=4145)) > BUT the Houyhnhnms, who live under the Government of Reason, are no more proud of the good Qualities they possess, than I should be for not wanting a Leg or an Arm, which no Man in his Wits would boast of, although he must be miserable without them. I dwell the longer upon this Subject from the Desire I have to make the Society of an English Yahoo by any Means not insupportable; and therefore I here intreat those who have any Tincture of this absurd Vice, that they will not presume to appear in my Sight. ([Location 4183](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B008TVLYC0&location=4183))