The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered, but a general effect of pleasing impression. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
“There is nothing by which a man exasperates most people more, than displaying a superior ability of briliancy in conversation. They seem… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
More knowledge may be gained of a man's real character by a short conversation with one of his servants than from a… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
John Wesley's conversation is good, but he is never at leisure. He is always obliged to go at a certain hour. This… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
A transition from an author's book to his conversation is too often like an entrance into a large city, after a distant… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
“APOSIOPESIS (APOSIOPE'SIS) n.s.[ from after, and rixp to be silent.] A form of speech, by which the speaker, through some affection, as… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
But to the particular species of excellence men are directed, not by an ascendant planet or predominating humour, but by the first… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
When a language begins to teem with books, it is tending to refinement; as those who undertake to teach others must have… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
A transition from an author's book to his conversation, is too often like an entrance into a large city. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
I am always sorry when any language is lost, because languages are the pedigrees of nations. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Every man has some favorite topic of conversation, on which, by a feigned seriousness of attention, he may be drawn to expatiate… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Depend upon it, sir, it is when you come close to a man in conservation that you discover what his real abilities… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
A country gentleman should bring his lady to visit London as soon as he can, that they may have agreeable topicks for… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm, quiet interchange of sentiments.... — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
When a man says he had pleasure with a woman he does not mean conversation. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
“I found our speech copious without order, and energetic without rules” — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
How many may a man of diffusive conversation count among his acquaintances, whose lives have been signalized by numberless escapes; who never… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
There is no crime more infamous than the violation of truth. It is apparent that men can be social beings no longer… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
It has long been observed, that an atheist has no just reason for endeavouring conversions; and yet none harass those minds which… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
There is in this world no real delight (excepting those of sensuality), but exchange of ideas in conversation. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
To fix the thoughts by writing, and subject them to frequent examinations and reviews, is the best method of enabling the mind… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
To us, who are regaled every morning and evening with intelligence, and are supplied from day to day with materials for conversation,… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The size of a man's understanding might always be justly measured by his mirth. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Pound St. Paul's Church into atoms, and consider any single atom; it is to be sure, good for nothing; but put all these atoms… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
If our aim is to praise, we should forget to criticize; if our aim is to criticize, we should remember to praise — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
It is as foolish to make experiments upon the constancy of a friend, as upon the chastity of a wife. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Resolve not to be poor: whatever you have, spend less. Poverty is a great enemy to human happiness; it certainly destroys liberty, and it… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The basis of all excellence is truth: he that professes love ought to feel its power. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
“The composition of Shakespeare is a forest, in which oaks extend in the air, interspersed sometimes with weeds and brambles, and sometimes giving shelting… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
“The cherubim were never intended as an object of worship, because they were only the appendices to another thing. But a thing is then… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
