There is ... scarcely any species of writing of which we can tell what is its essence, and what are its constituents;… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
But to the particular species of excellence men are directed, not by an ascendant planet or predominating humour, but by the first… — 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
Hope itself is a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords; but, like all other pleasures immoderately… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The necessities of our condition require a thousand offices of tenderness, which mere regard for the species will never dictate. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
There are minds so impatient of inferiority that their gratitude is a species of revenge, and they return benefits, not because recompense… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The business of the poet, said Imlac, is to examine, not the individual, but the species. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
It is generally allowed, that no man ever found the happiness of possession proportionate to that expectation which incited his desire, and… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The business of a poet is to examine not the individual but the species; to remark general properties and large appearances. — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
It is natural for every man uninstructed to murmur at his condition, because, in the general infelicity of life, he feels his… — Samuel Johnson Copy Share Image
The parallel circumstances and kindred images to which we readily conform our minds are, above all other writings, to be found in… — 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
