Quotes by Samuel Johnson with conversation

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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Quotes 1 till 7 of 7.

  • More knowledge may be gained of a man's real character by a short conversation with one of his servants than from a formal and studied narrative, begun with his pedigree and ended with his funeral.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • So different are the colors of life, as we look forward to the future, or backward to the past; and so different the opinions and sentiments which this contrariety of appearance naturally produces, that the conversation of the old and young ends generally with contempt or pity on either side.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm quiet interchange of sentiments.
    bij Boswell
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered but a general effect of pleasing impression.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • There is nothing that exasperates people more than a display of superior ability or brilliance in conversation. They seem pleased at the time, but their envy makes them curse the conversationalist in their heart.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • When a man says he had pleasure with a woman he does not mean conversation.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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What are the most famous quotes from Samuel Johnson?

The two most famous quotes from Samuel Johnson are:

  • "More knowledge may be gained of a man's real character by a short conversation with one of his servants than from a formal and studied narrative, begun with his pedigree and ended with his funeral."
  • "Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen."

When did Samuel Johnson live?

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