2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Language is the dress of thought.

The true art of memory, is the art of attention

Babies do not want to hear about babies; they like to be told of giants and castles.

Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.

Sir, I did not count your glasses of wine, why should you number up my cups of tea?

We have less reason to be surprised or offended when we find others differ from us in opinions because we very often differ from ourselves.

Κανένα μέρος δεν προβάλλει τόσο έντονα τη ματαιότητα των ανθρώπινων ελπίδων, όσο μια δημόσια βιβλιοθήκη

Tea's proper use is to amuse the idle, and relax the studious, and dilute the full meals of those who cannot use exercise, and will not use abstinence."(Essay on Tea, 1757.)

Sounds are too volatile and subtile for legal restraints; to enchain syllables, and to lash the wind, are equally the undertakings of pride, unwilling to measure its desires by its strength.