Who said “It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the…”?

Misattributed

Not Joseph Addison. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundListed as misattributed to Joseph Addison; no source in their known works.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.”
MisattributedListed as misattributed to Joseph Addison; no source in their known works. · evidencePerfection

Cite this quote

APA

“It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.” [Quotation attributed to Joseph Addison]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25911-it-is-only-imperfection-that-complains-of-what/

MLA

“It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.” Attributed to Joseph Addison. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25911-it-is-only-imperfection-that-complains-of-what/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“It is only imperfection that complains of what is imperfect. The more perfect we are the more gentle and quiet we become towards the defects of others.” Attributed to Joseph Addison. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25911-it-is-only-imperfection-that-complains-of-what/.