Raillery Quotes

Raillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one's wit at the expense of one's better nature. (Montesquieu)
A great mind is above insults, injustice, grief, and raillery, and would be invulnerable were it not open to compassion. View quote
Jean de La Bruyère
Humor is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor for a subject which will not bear raillery is suspicious, and a jest which will not bear serious examination is false wit. View quote
Aristotle
In the middle ages of Christianity opposition to the State opinions was hushed. The consequence was, Christianity became loaded with all the Romish follies. Nothing but free argument, raillery & even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
Raillery is a kind of mirth which takes possession of the imagination, and shows every object in an absurd light; wit combines more or less softness or harshness. View quote
François de La Rochefoucauld
You are devoted to interests from which it is impossible to gain intelligence or prudence or a proper disposition of reverence toward the gods, but only stupid contention, unbridled ambition, vain grief, senseless joy, and raillery and extravagance. View quote
Dio Chrysostom
'Twas the saying of [Georgias Leontinus apud Arist. Rhetor. lib. 3. cap. 18... which the Translator renders, Seria Risu, Risum Seriis discutere] an ancient sage that humour was the only test of gravity, and gravity of humour. For a subject which would not bear raillery was suspicious; and a jest which would not bear a serious examination was certainly false wit. View quote
Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury
Truth, 'tis suppos'd, may bear all Lights: and one of those principal Lights or natural Mediums, by which Things are to be view'd, in order to a thorow Recognition, is Ridicule it-self, or that Manner of Proof by which we discern whatever is liable to just Raillery in any Subject. View quote
Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury
For conversation well endued; She calls it witty to be rude; And, placing raillery in railing, Will tell aloud your greatest failing. View quote
Jonathan Swift