There is no quality in this world that is not what it is merely by contrast. Nothing exists in itself. Herman Melville
Wisdom is passionless. But faith by contrast is what Kierkegaard calls a passion. Ludwig Wittgenstein
The duty of a toastmaster is to be so dull that the succeeding speakers will appear brilliant by contrast. Clarence Budington Kelland
Slavery to State and men has disappeared only to make room for slavery to things and Self, to one's own vices and idiotic social customs and ways. Rapid civilization, adapted to the needs of the higher and middle classes, has doomed by contrast to only greater wretchedness the starving masses. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
PITY, n. A failing sense of exemption, inspired by contrast. Ambrose Bierce
Gilbert was friendly-very friendly-far too friendly.... But Anne no longer found it satisfying. The rose of love made the blossom of friendship pale and scentless by contrast. Lucy Maud Montgomery