2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Nothing is to be expected from the workman whose tools are for ever to be sought

The work of a correct and regular writer is a garden accurately formed and diligently planted, varied with shades, and scented with flowers.

In the bottle discontent seeks for comfort, cowardice for courage, and bashfulness for confidence.

Of the blessings set before you make your choice, and be content.

Sir, I have two cogent reasons for not printing any list of subscribers; - one, that I have lost all the names, - the other, that I have spent all the money

Criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant as a standard of judging well.

Reason and truth will prevail at last

No man, however enslaved to his appetites, or hurried by his passions, can, while he preserves his intellects unimpaired, please himself with promoting the corruption of others. He whose merit has enlarged his influence would surely wish to exert it for the benefit of mankind. Yet such will be the effect of his reputation, while he suffers himself to indulge in any favourite fault, that they who have no hope to reach his excellence will catch at his failings, and his virtues will be cited to justify the copiers of his vices.

The world is not yet exhaused; let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before.