Samuel Johnson
The applause of a single human being is of great consequence.
Samuel JohnsonA man has no more right to say an uncivil thing to another man than he has to knock him down.
Samuel JohnsonMarriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures.
Samuel JohnsonHe that would be superior to external influences must first become superior to his own passions.
Samuel JohnsonPride is seldom delicate; it will please itself with very mean advantages.
Samuel JohnsonAlmost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.
Samuel JohnsonPraise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.
Samuel JohnsonThere are few minds to which tyranny is not delightful.
Samuel JohnsonNothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.
Samuel JohnsonIt is better to live rich than to die rich.
Samuel JohnsonPatriotism having become one of our topicks, Johnson suddenly uttered, in a strong determined tone, an apophthegm, at which many will start: "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." But let it be considered that he did not mean a real and generous love of our country, but that pretended patriotism which so many, in all ages and countries, have made a cloak of self- interest.
Samuel JohnsonEvery quotation contributes something to the stability or enlargement of the language.
Samuel JohnsonWe are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us.
Samuel JohnsonIt matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance, it lasts so short a time.
Samuel JohnsonYou raise your voice when you should reinforce your argument.
Samuel JohnsonWine makes a man more pleased with himself; I do not say it makes him more pleasing to others.
Samuel JohnsonIt is reasonable to have perfection in our eye that we may always advance toward it, though we know it can never be reached.
Samuel JohnsonSelf-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings.
Samuel JohnsonFrom the middle of life onward, only he remains vitally alive who is ready to die with life.
Samuel JohnsonRevenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.
Samuel JohnsonAmericans are a race of convicts and ought to be thankful for anything we allow them short of hanging.
Samuel JohnsonIf you are idle, be not solitary; if you are solitary be not idle.
Samuel JohnsonLeisure and curiosity might soon make great advances in useful knowledge, were they not diverted by minute emulation and laborious trifles.
Samuel JohnsonThe greatest part of a writer's time is spent in reading in order to write. A man will turn over half a library to make a book.
Samuel JohnsonA man is very apt to complain of the ingratitude of those who have risen far above him.
Samuel Johnson
