Quotes by Samuel Johnson with praise

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 8 of 8.

  • Every other author may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach, and even this negative recompense has been yet granted to very few.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Hunger is never delicate; they who are seldom gorged to the full with praise may be safely fed with gross compliments, for the appetite must be satisfied before it is disgusted.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • I have protracted my work till most of those whom I wished to please have sunk into the grave, and success and miscarriage are empty sounds: I therefore dismiss it with frigid tranquillity, having little to fear or hope from censure or from praise.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Much of the pain and pleasure of mankind arises from the conjectures which every one makes of the thoughts of others; we all enjoy praise which we do not hear, and resent contempt which we do not see.
    Idler
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • The highest panegyric, therefore, that private virtue can receive, is the praise of servants.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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  • 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.
    ― Samuel Johnson
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What are the most famous quotes from Samuel Johnson?

The two most famous quotes from Samuel Johnson are:

  • "Every other author may aspire to praise; the lexicographer can only hope to escape reproach, and even this negative recompense has been yet granted to very few."
  • "Hunger is never delicate; they who are seldom gorged to the full with praise may be safely fed with gross compliments, for the appetite must be satisfied before it is disgusted."

When did Samuel Johnson live?

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