Politeness is fictitious benevolence. Depend upon it, the want of it never fails to produce something disagreeable to one or other. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
No man can have much kindness for him by whom he does not believe himself esteemed, and nothing so evidently proves esteem… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
If we will have the kindness of others, we must endure their follies. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Always set high value on spontaneous kindness. He whose inclination prompts him to cultivate your friendship of his own accord will love… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
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
Sir, he throws away his money without thought and without merit. I do not call a tree generous that sheds its fruit… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Human benevolence is mingled with vanity, interest, or some other motive — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
I am sorry I have not learnt to play at cards. It is very useful in life: it generates kindness, and consolidates… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Spring is the season of gaiety, and winter of terror; in spring the heart of tranquility dances to the melody of the… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
It is, indeed, at home that every man must be known by those who would make a just estimate either of his… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Every man has frequent grievances which only the solicitude of friendship will discover and remedy, and which would remain for ever unheeded… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The safe and general antidote against sorrow is employment. It is commonly observed, that among soldiers and seamen, though there is much… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
It requires but little acquaintance with the heart to know that woman's first wish is to be handsome; and that, consequently, the… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
If in an actor there appears an utter vacancy of meaning, a frigid equality, a stupid languor, a torpid apathy, the greatest… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
A generous and elevated mind is distinguished by nothing more certainly than an eminent degree of curiosity. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
Surely nothing is more reproachful to a being endowed with reason, than to resign its powers to the influence of the air,… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
It is not indeed certain, that the most refined caution will find a proper time for bringing a man to the knowledge… — 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
When a friend is carried to his grave, we at once find excuses for every weakness, and palliation of every fault. We… — 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
