Who said “There is not a more unhappy being than a superannuated idol.”?

Verified

Joseph Addison. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Spectator (1711–1714), No. 73 (24 May 1711)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Spectator (1711–1714), No. 73 (24 May 1711).

APA

Addison, J. (n.d.). There is not a more unhappy being than a superannuated idol. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38679-there-is-not-a-more-unhappy-being-than/

MLA

Addison, Joseph. “There is not a more unhappy being than a superannuated idol.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38679-there-is-not-a-more-unhappy-being-than/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Addison, Joseph. “There is not a more unhappy being than a superannuated idol.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38679-there-is-not-a-more-unhappy-being-than/.