2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

A man is not obliged honestly to answer a question which should not properly be put.

You hesitate to stab me with a word, and know not - silence is the sharper sword.

Men are generally idle, and ready to satisfy themselves, and intimidate the industry of others, by calling that impossible which is only difficult.

A continual feast of commendation is only to be obtained by merit or by wealth: many are therefore obliged to content themselves with single morsels, and recompense the infrequency of their enjoyment by excess and riot, whenever fortune sets the banquet before them.

Such is the constitution of man that labor may be styled its own reward; nor will any external incitements be requisite, if it be considered how much happiness is gained, and how much misery escaped, by frequent and violent agitation of the body

I never take a nap after dinner but when I have had a bad night, and then the nap takes me.

Much mischief is done in the world with very little interest or design.

A mode of transferring property without producing any intermediate good

Those who are in the power of evil habits must conquer them as they can; and conquered they must be, or neither wisdom nor happiness can be attained: but those who are not yet subject to their influence may, by timely caution, preserve their freedom;