Jonathan Swift (Nov. 30, 1667 — Oct. 19, 1745) was an
essayist, cleric, writer and one of the most influential satirists of all time.
Gulliver’s Travels is perhaps Swift’s
most popular work.
Swift’s father was a famous attorney, but sadly, he died
when his son was only two months old. His mother didn’t have a steady income
and Swift was a sickly child, so she mostly struggled to provide for him. She
decided to leave Swift in the care of his Uncle Godwin, who took care of his
education.
The writer first worked as a statesman’s assistant, after
receiving his bachelor’s degree. Swift’s first work was the short satire The Battle of the Books but it was published
some years after it was actually written. In fact, most of his writing were
published under pseudonyms, one of them being Isaac Bickerstaff.
Swift was a pioneer of satire and a gifted writer. He used
humor in describing people’s weaknesses and bad habits, hoping that we’ll recognize
our darker side and shun it. His specific style gave rise to a particular kind
of satire that came to be known as ‘Swiftian’.
Hare are 20 eye-opening Jonathan Swift quotes that you need
to know.
Flavia Medrut is a freelance writer, researcher and part-time psychologist. She believes music, long walks and a good sense of humor are imperative in keeping one’s sanity.