Would be Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Abstinence is as easy to me as temperance would be difficult.

— Samuel Johnson

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

— Samuel Johnson

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

— Samuel Johnson

Conjecture as to things useful, is good; but conjecture as to what it would be useless to know, is very idle.

— Samuel Johnson

Little would be wanting to the happiness of life, if every man could conform to the right as soon as he was…

— Samuel Johnson

He that would be superior to external influences must first become superior to his own passions.

— 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

How gloomy would be the mansions of the dead to him who did not know that he should never die: that what…

— Samuel Johnson

If a madman were to come into this room with a stick in his hand, no doubt we should pity the state…

— Samuel Johnson

It seems not more reasonable to leave the right of printing unrestrained, because writers may be afterwards censured, than it would be…

— Samuel Johnson

All envy is proportionate to desire; we are uneasy at the attainments of another, according as we think our own happiness would…

— Samuel Johnson

It is thus that mutual cowardice keeps us in peace. Were one half of mankind brave and one cowards, the brave would…

— Samuel Johnson

To exact of every man who writes that he should say something new, would be to reduce authors to a small number;…

— Samuel Johnson

If, sir, men were all virtuous, I should with great alacrity teach them all to fly. But what would be the security…

— Samuel Johnson

I would advise you, Sir, to study algebra, if you are not an adept already in it: your head would get less…

— Samuel Johnson

Language is the dress of thought; and as the noblest mien or most graceful action would be degraded and obscured by a…

— Samuel Johnson

In most ages many countries have had part of their inhabitants in a state of slavery; yet it may be doubted whether…

— Samuel Johnson

I would advise you Sir, to study algebra, if you are not already an adept in it: your head would be less…

— Samuel Johnson

The hostility perpetually exercised between one man and another, is caused by the desire of many for that which only few can…

— Samuel Johnson

I have often thought that there has rarely passed a life of which a judicious and faithful narrative would not be useful;…

— 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