All Samuel Johnson Quotes
- It is unpleasing to represent our affairs to our own disadvantage; yet it is necessary to shew the evils which we desire to be removed. Affair
- Let us take a patriot, where we can meet him; and, that we may not flatter ourselves by false appearances, distinguish those marks which are… Appearance
- Some claim a place in the list of patriots, by an acrimonious and unremitting opposition to the court. This mark is by no means infallible.… Acrimonious
- It is the quality of patriotism to be jealous and watchful, to observe all secret machinations, and to see publick dangers at a distance. The… Alarm
- A country is in a bad state, which is governed only by laws; because a thousand things occur for which laws cannot provide, and where… Authority
- Let him go abroad to a distant country; let him go to some place where he is not known. Don't let him go to the… Abroad
- Men become friends by a community of pleasures. Become Friends
- You may abuse a tragedy, though you cannot write one. You may scold a carpenter who has made you a bad table, though you cannot… Abuse
- It may be laid down as a position which seldom deceives, that when a man cannot bear his own company, there is something wrong. Bear
- The world is not yet exhausted: let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before. Exhausted
- Politeness is one of those advantages which we never estimate rightly but by the inconvenience of its loss. Advantage
- A man who exposes himself when he is intoxicated, has not the art of getting drunk. Alcohol
- Sir, I think all Christians, whether Papists or Protestants, agree in the essential articles, and that their differences are trivial, and rather political than religious. Agree
- It is commonly a weak man who marries for love. Commonly
- If we estimate dignity by immediate usefulness, agriculture is undoubtedly the first and noblest science. Agriculture
- Studious to please, yet not ashamed to fail. Ashamed
- We are told, that the black bear is innocent; but I should not like to trust myself with him. Bear
- Exercise cannot secure us from that dissolution to which we are decreed; but while the soul and body continue united, it can make the association… Anguish
- Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor. Few
- The first step to greatness is to be honest. First Step
- To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of the scholar Answer
- Every state of society is as luxurious as it can be. Men always take the best they can get. Always Take
- No wise man will go to live in the country, unless he has something to do which can be better done in the country. For… Better
- They who have already enjoyed the crowds and noise of the great city, know their desire to return is little more than the restlessness of… Already Enjoyed
- Moderation is commonly firm, and firmness is commonly successful. Commonly