Nature of man Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Human reason borrowed many arts from the instinct of animals.

— Samuel Johnson

Being reproached for giving to an unworthy person, Aristotle said, I did not give it to the man, but to humanity.

— Samuel Johnson

In civilized society we all depend upon each other, and our happiness is very much owing to the good opinion of mankind.

— Samuel Johnson

Every human being whose mind is not debauched, will be willing to give all that he has to get knowledge.

— Samuel Johnson

The relief of enemies has a tendency to unite mankind in fraternal affection.

— Samuel Johnson

Whoever desires, for his writings or himself, what none can reasonably contemn, the favour of mankind, must add grace to strength, and…

— Samuel Johnson

“How small, of all that human hearts endure, That part which laws or kings can cause or cure. Still to ourselves in…

— Samuel Johnson

As I know more of mankind I expect less of them, and am ready now to call a man a good man…

— Samuel Johnson

He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste…

— Samuel Johnson

The history of mankind is little else than a narrative of designs which have failed and hopes that have been disappointed.

— Samuel Johnson

It is easy for a man who sits idle at home, and has nobody to please but himself, to ridicule or censure…

— Samuel Johnson

[The poet] must write as the interpreter of nature and the legislator of mankind, and consider himself as presiding over the thoughts…

— Samuel Johnson

Such is the emptiness of human enjoyment that we are always impatient of the present. Attainment is followed by neglect, and possession…

— Samuel Johnson

Providence has fixed the limits of human enjoyment by immovable boundaries, and has set different gratifications at such a distance from each…

— Samuel Johnson

How small of all that human hearts endure, That part which laws or kings can cause or cure! Still to ourselves in…

— Samuel Johnson

There is reason to suspect, that the distinctions of mankind have more show than value, when it is found that all agree…

— Samuel Johnson

Human experience, which is constantly contradicting theory, is the great test of truth. A system, built upon the discoveries of a great…

— Samuel Johnson

The power, indeed, of every individual is small, and the consequence of his endeavours imperceptible, in a general prospect of the world.…

— Samuel Johnson

“It has been observed in all ages that the advantages of nature or of fortune have contributed very little to the promotion…

— 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

There lurks, perhaps, in every human heart a desire of distinction, which inclines every man first to hope, and then to believe,…

— Samuel Johnson

Everything that enlarges the sphere of human powers, that shows man he can do what he thought he could not do, is…

— Samuel Johnson

Among the lower classes of mankind there will be found very little desire of any other knowledge than what may contribute immediately…

— Samuel Johnson

It is the care of a very great part of mankind to conceal their indigence from the rest. They support themselves by…

— Samuel Johnson

Let observation with extensive view, Survey mankind from China to Peru; Remark each anxious toil, each eager strife, And watch the busy…

— Samuel Johnson

I fancy mankind may come, in time, to write all aphoristically, except in narrative; grow weary of preparation, and connection, and illustration,…

— Samuel Johnson

Every error in human conduct must arise from ignorance in ourselves, either perpetual or temporary; and happen either because we do not…

— Samuel Johnson