Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson

English writer

Lived from: 1709 - 1784

Category: Writers (Contemporary) Country: FlagUnited Kingdom

Born: 18 september 1709 Died: 13 december 1784

  • The real satisfaction which praise can afford, is when what is repeated aloud agrees with the whispers of conscience, by showing us that we have not endeavored to deserve well in vain.
  • A fly, Sir, may sting a stately horse and make him wince; but one is but an insect, and the other is a horse still.
  • Every other enjoyment malice may destroy; every other panegyric envy may withhold; but no human power can deprive the boaster of his own encomiums.
  • Excellence in any department can be attained only by the labor of a lifetime; it is not to be purchased at a lesser price.
  • Books that you carry to the fire, and hold readily in your hand, are most useful after all.
  • Cruel with guilt, and daring with despair, the midnight murderer bursts the faithless bar; invades the sacred hour of silent rest and leaves, unseen, a dagger in your breast.
  • His scorn of the great is repeated too often to be real; no man thinks much of that which he despises.
  • Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought. Our brightest blazes are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.
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Search within the quotes from Samuel Johnson for these words:

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  • A vow is a snare for sin.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • A man seldom thinks with more earnestness of anything than he does of his dinner.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Actions are visible, though motives are secret.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • As peace is the end of war, so to be idle is the ultimate purpose of the busy.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Composition is, for the most part, an effort of slow diligence and steady perseverance, to which the mind is dragged by necessity or resolution, and from which the attention is every moment starting to more delightful amusements.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Happiness is not a state to arrive at, rather, a manner of traveling.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • He that will enjoy the brightness of sunshine, must quit the coolness of the shade.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Hope is itself a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords: but, like all other pleasures immoderately enjoyed, the excesses of hope must be expiated by pain; and expectations improperly indulged must end in disappointment.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • It is very strange, and very melancholy, that the paucity of human pleasures should persuade us ever to call hunting one of them.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned. A man in a jail has more room, better food and commonly better company.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Prejudice not being funded on reason cannot be removed by argument.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • The chains of habit are generally too week to be felt, until they are too strong to be broken.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • The endearing elegance of female friendship.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • The love of life is necessary to the vigorous prosecution of any undertaking.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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What are the most famous quotes from Samuel Johnson?

The two most famous quotes from Samuel Johnson are:

  • "A vow is a snare for sin."
  • "A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization."

When did Samuel Johnson live?

Samuel Johnson was born in 1709 and died in the year 1784.