2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

In this work are exhibited, in a very high degree, the two most engaging powers of an author. New things are made familiar, and familiar things are made new.

Disease generally begins that equality which death completes.

Surely, it is much easier to respect a man who has always had respect, than to respect a man who we know was last year no better than ourselves, and will be no better next year.

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.

All power of fancy over reason is a degree of madness.

That what cannot be repaired is not to be regretted.

He who praises everybody, praises nobody.

Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures.

Of the present state, whatever it be, we feel and are forced to confess the misery; yet when the same state is again at a distance, imagination paints it as desirable.