Ifs Quotes by Samuel Johnson

If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written.

— Samuel Johnson

It is man's own fault, it is from want of use, if his mind grows torpid in old age.

— Samuel Johnson

If we estimate dignity by immediate usefulness, agriculture is undoubtedly the first and noblest science.

— Samuel Johnson

I doubt if there ever was a man who was not gratified by being told that he was liked by the women.

— Samuel Johnson

Our minds should not be empty because if they are not preoccupied by good, evil will break in upon them.

— Samuel Johnson

If a man has a science to learn he must regularly and resolutely advance.

— Samuel Johnson

Sir, if a man has a mind to prance, he must study at Christ Church and All Souls.

— Samuel Johnson

There is no book so poor that it would not be a prodigy if wholly made by a single man.

— Samuel Johnson

The good of our present state is merely comparative, and the evil which every man feels will be sufficient to disturb and…

— Samuel Johnson

If in an actor there appears an utter vacancy of meaning, a frigid equality, a stupid languor, a torpid apathy, the greatest…

— Samuel Johnson

If a man is in doubt whether it would be better for him to expose himself to martyrdom or not, he should…

— Samuel Johnson

Truth has no gradations; nothing which admits of increase can be so much what it is, as truth is truth. There may…

— Samuel Johnson

I do not know, sir, that the fellow is an infidel; but if he be an infidel, he is an infidel as…

— Samuel Johnson

What we read with inclination makes a much stronger impression. If we read without inclination, half the mind is employed in fixing…

— Samuel Johnson

If the abuse be enormous, nature will rise up, and claiming her original rights, overturn a corrupt political system.

— Samuel Johnson

So scanty is our present allowance of happiness that in many situations life could scarcely be supported if hope were not allowed…

— Samuel Johnson

To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity; the next is, to strive, and deserve to conquer:…

— Samuel Johnson

Such is the constitution of man that labour may be styled its own reward; nor will any external incitements be requisite, if…

— Samuel Johnson

The common people do not accurately adapt their thoughts to objects; nor, secondly, do they accurately adapt their words to their thoughts;…

— Samuel Johnson

Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions. What we have missed long enough…

— Samuel Johnson

If an author be supposed to involve his thoughts in voluntary obscurity, and to obstruct, by unnecessary difficulties, a mind eager in…

— Samuel Johnson

Forgetfulness is necessary to remembrance. Ideas are retained by renovation of that impression which time is always wearing away,and which new images…

— Samuel Johnson

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent.…

— Samuel Johnson

Men who stand in the highest ranks of society seldom hear of their faults; if by any accident an opprobrious clamour reaches…

— Samuel Johnson

When the desire of wealth is taking hold of the heart, let us look round and see how it operates upon than…

— Samuel Johnson

It is justly considered as the greatest excellency of art to imitate nature; but it is necessary to distinguish those parts of…

— Samuel Johnson

Every man speaks and writes with intent to be understood; and it can seldom happen but he that understands himself, might convey…

— Samuel Johnson

It is not indeed certain, that the most refined caution will find a proper time for bringing a man to the knowledge…

— Samuel Johnson

Men who have flattered themselves into this opinion of their own abilities, look down on all who waste their lives over books,…

— Samuel Johnson

No wise man will go to live in the country, unless he has something to do which can be better done in…

— Samuel Johnson

People in general do not willingly read if they have anything else to amuse them.

— Samuel Johnson

Labor, if it were not necessary for existence, would be indispensable for the happiness of man.

— Samuel Johnson

If you want to be a writer, then write. Write every day!

— Samuel Johnson

All envy would be extinguished, if it were universally known that there are none to be envied.

— Samuel Johnson

Much may be made of a Scotchman, if he be caught young.

— Samuel Johnson

If we require more perfection from women than from ourselves, it is doing them honor.

— Samuel Johnson

A man may write at any time, if he will set himself doggedly to it.

— Samuel Johnson

We often need reminding even if we do not often need educating.

— Samuel Johnson

As pride sometimes is hid under humility, idleness if often covered by turbulence and hurry.

— Samuel Johnson

Contempt is a kind of gangrene which, if it seizes one part of a character, corrupts all the rest by degrees.

— Samuel Johnson