Though familiarity may not breed contempt, it takes off the edge of admiration.
—William Hazlitt (1778–1830) English Essayist
Familiar acts are beautiful through love.
—Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) English Poet, Dramatist, Essayist, Novelist
Be not too familiar with thy servants; at first it may beget love, but in the end ’twill breed contempt.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
Familiarity breeds contempt.
—Aesop (620–564 BCE) Greek Fabulist
The hues of the opal, the light of the diamond, are not to be seen if the eye is too near.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
All objects lose by too familiar a view.
—John Dryden (1631–1700) English Poet, Literary Critic, Playwright
Make not thy friends too cheap to thee, nor thyself to thy friend.
—Thomas Fuller (1608–61) English Cleric, Historian
Familiarity breeds contempt; and children.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
Familiarity is the root of the closest friendships, as well as the interests hatreds.
—Antoine de Rivarol (1753–1801) French Writer, Epigrammatist
When a man becomes familiar with his goddess, she quickly sinks into a woman.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
The confidant of my vices is my master, though he were my valet.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
Nothing is wonderful when you get used to it.
—E. W. Howe (1853–1937) American Novelist, Editor
Familiarity is a magician that is cruel to beauty but kind to ugliness.
—Ouida (Maria Louise Rame) (1839–1908) English Novelist
Familiar things happen, and mankind does not bother about them. It requires a very unusual mind to undertake the analysis of the obvious.
—Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947) English Mathematician, Philosopher
Vice is a monster of so frightful mien,
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace.
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744) English Poet
Sweets grown common lose their dear delight.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
Familiarities are the aphides that imperceptibly suck out the juices intended for the germ of love.
—Walter Savage Landor (1775–1864) English Writer, Poet
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