Whatever Passages come to my knowledge, or fall in my way, I shall from time to time communicate to the Publick, with my own Remarks upon them; and shall call it The Tatler.
Context: Isaac Bickerstaff, in the inaugural *Tatler* (No. 1), explains the rationale behind the title of his new periodical. He signifies that his paper will collect and comment on various observations and pieces of intelligence, living up to the name 'Tatler' by gossiping and remarking on society.
The general Purpose of this Paper, is to expose the false Arts of Life, to pull off the Disguises of Cunning, Vanity, and Affectation, and to recommend a general Simplicity in Dress, Discourse, and Behavior.
Context: Isaac Bickerstaff clearly articulates the reformative and satirical mission of *The Tatler* (No. 2). He aims to strip away pretenses and encourage genuine conduct and sincerity in public and private life, critiquing the prevalent artificiality of his time.
As I was a Physician before I was a Censor, I shall still retain the Character of a Doctor, and the Publick shall be my Patients.
Context: Isaac Bickerstaff humorously blends his original persona as a physician and astrologer with his new role as a social critic in *The Tatler* (No. 3). He positions himself as a healer of society's ills, treating the public as his patients and offering remedies for moral failings.
Good Breeding is the Art of showing Men, by external Marks, the inward Esteem you have for them. To be well-bred, one must have as much Good-nature as good Sense.
Context: Isaac Bickerstaff frequently provided guidance on social etiquette and manners in *The Tatler* (No. 89). This quote defines good breeding not as superficial decorum but as a genuine expression of respect and kindness, combining both moral character and intelligent conduct.
A fine woman, when she is once thoroughly sensible of the ill effects of affectation, would soon learn to be natural. And though the care of her mind might not be so much her study, as the care of her person, yet she would find that true beauty flows from the soul.
Context: Isaac Bickerstaff often addressed female readers directly in *The Tatler* (No. 95), critiquing vanity and promoting genuine qualities. He suggests that true and lasting beauty originates from inner character and a cultivated mind rather than superficial appearances.
I have taken the liberty in this paper, sometimes to talk to you of things that concern the world in general, and sometimes to give you little sketches of characters that have fallen within my observation.
Context: Isaac Bickerstaff reflects on the diverse content he has offered his readers over 100 issues of *The Tatler* (No. 100). He acknowledges his dual approach of discussing broad societal issues and presenting vivid, individual character portraits, a hallmark of his journalistic style.
Books are the legacies that a great genius leaves to mankind, which are delivered down from generation to generation, as presents to the posterity of those who are yet unborn.
Context: Isaac Bickerstaff often included literary commentary and celebrated intellectual pursuits in *The Tatler* (No. 132). This quote eloquently expresses the enduring power and timeless value of literature, portraying books as precious gifts that transcend time and connect humanity across generations.
There is not a more effectual way of promoting reformation in the world, than by setting forth bright examples, and showing men what they may be.
Context: Isaac Bickerstaff, a proponent of moral reform in *The Tatler* (No. 158), highlights the effectiveness of positive role models. He argues that inspiring examples are more potent than mere precepts in guiding individuals toward self-improvement and societal betterment.
The design of my writings has been to divert the Town, and to correct those Vanities and Fopperies which rise among us from no other Cause but mere Want of Thought.
Context: In one of his final essays, Isaac Bickerstaff (Tatler No. 271) summarizes the overarching goal of *The Tatler*. He reiterates his intention to entertain while simultaneously criticizing and reforming the superficialities and thoughtlessness he observed in contemporary society.