In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it;… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Critics, like the rest of mankind, are very frequently misled by interest — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
It was the maxim, I think, of Alphonsus of Aragon, that dead counsellors are safest. The grave puts an end to flattery… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
There is no temper more unpropitious to interest than desultory application and unlimited inquiry, by which the desires are held in a… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
In youth, it is common to measure right and wrong by the opinion of the world, and in age, to act without… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Among those whose reputation is exhausted in a short time by its own luxuriance are the writers who take advantage of present… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
We are easily shocked by crimes which appear at once in their full magnitude, but the gradual growth of our own wickedness,… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
He that outlives a wife whom he has long loved, sees himself disjoined from the only mind that has the same hopes,… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Among the calamities of war may be numbered the diminution of the love of truth, by the falsehoods which interest dictates, and… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The faults of a writer of acknowledged excellence are more dangerous, because the influence of his example is more extensive; and the… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Among the calamities of war may be justly numbered the diminution of the love of truth by falsehoods which interest dictates and… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
A patriot is he whose public conduct is regulated by one single motive, the love of his country; who, as an agent… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Much mischief is done in the world with very little interest or design. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
As every writer has his use, every writer ought to have his patrons; and since no man, however high he may now… — 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
