Samuel Johnson Quotes

Sir, I have found you an argument; but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

There is in this world no real delight (excepting those of sensuality), but exchange of ideas in conversation.

There is now less flogging in our great schools than formerly, but then less is learned there; so that what the boys get at one end they lose at the other.

A man who writes a book, thinks himself wiser or wittier than the rest of mankind; he supposes that he can instruct or amuse them, and the publick to whom he appeals, must, after all, be the judges of his pretensions.

Grammar, which is the art of using words properly, comprises four parts: Orthography, Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody.

Nothing ... will ever be attempted, if all possible objections must be first overcome.

[S]uch is the delight of mental superiority, that none on whom nature or study have conferred it, would purchase the gifts of fortune by its loss.

Such is the state of life, that none are happy but by the anticipation of change: the change itself is nothing; when we have made it, the next wish is to change again.

Parts are not to be examined till the whole has been surveyed; there is a kind of intellectual remoteness necessary for the comprehension of any great work in its full design and its true proportions; a close approach shews the smaller niceties, but the beauty of the whole is discerned no longer.

AMBRY (A'MBRY) n.s.[a word corrupted from almonry.]1. The place where the almoner lives, or where alms are distributed.2. The place where plate, and utensils for housekeeping, are kept; also a cupboard for keeping cold victuals:a word still used in the northern counties, and in Scotland.

The end of writing is to instruct; the end of poetry is to instruct by pleasing.

Novel: A small tale, generally of love.

But it is evident, that these bursts of universal distress are more dreaded than felt; thousands and ten thousands flourish in youth, and wither in age, without the knowledge of any other than domestic evils, and share the same pleasures and vexa­tions, whether their kings are mild or cruel, whether the armies of their country pursue their enemies or retreat before them.

'Paradise Lost' is one of the books which the reader admires and lays down, and forgets to take up again. None ever wished it longer than it is.

Depend upon it, Sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.