There lurks, perhaps, in every human heart a desire of distinction, which inclines every man first to hope, and then to believe,… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
All unnecessary vows are folly, because they suppose a prescience of the future, which has not been given us. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
People seldom read a book which is given to them; and few are given. The way to spread a work is to… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Life is surely given us for higher purposes than to gather what our ancestors have wisely thrown away, and to learn what… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Friendship, peculiar boon of Heaven, The noble mind's delight and pride, To men and angels only given, To all the lower world… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Admiration must be continued by that novelty which first produces it; and how much soever is given, there must always be reason… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The desire of advising has a very extensive prevalence; and, since advice cannot be given but to those that will hear it,… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
That there is something in advice very useful and salutary, seems to be equally confessed on all hands; since even those that… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The power, indeed, of every individual is small, and the consequence of his endeavours imperceptible, in a general prospect of the world.… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Oats. A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The maxim of Cleobulus, "Mediocrity is best," has been long considered a universal principle, extending through the whole compass of life and… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Pension: An allowance made to anyone without an equivalent. In England it is generally understood to mean pay given to a state… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
If we consider the manner in which those who assume the office of directing the conduct of others execute their undertaking, it… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Timidity is a disease of the mind, obstinate and fatal; for a man once persuaded that any impediment is insuperable has given… — 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
