2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.

To go and see one druidical temple is only to see that it is nothing, for there is neither art nor power in it; and seeing one is quite enough.

We are told, that the subjection of Americans may tend to the diminution of our own liberties; an event, which none but very perspicacious politicians are able to foresee. If slavery be thus fatally contagious, how is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?

It is commonly observed, that when two Englishmen meet, their first talk is of the weather; they are in haste to tell each other, what each must already know, that it is hot or cold, bright or cloudy, windy or calm.

What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.

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

Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.

True genius is a mind of large general powers accidentally determined in some particular direction.

There is no matter what children should learn first, any more than what leg you should put into your breeches first. Sir, you may stand disputing which is best to put in first, but in the meantime your backside is bare. Sire, while you stand considering which of two things you should teach your child first, another boy has learn't 'em both.