2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Classical quotation is the parole of literary men all over the world.

The most fatal disease of friendship is gradual decay, or dislike hourly increased by causes too slender for complaint, and too numerous for removal.

When I first collected these authorities, I was desirous that every quotation should be useful to some other end than the illustration of a word; I therefore extracted from philosophers principles of science; from historians remarkable facts; from chymists complete processes; from divines striking exhortations; and from poets beautiful descriptions.

All envy is proportionate to desire; we are uneasy at the attainments of another, according as we think our own happiness would be advanced by the addition of that which he withholds from us.

"Uisce Beatha" is a compounded distilled spirit being drawn on aromatics, and the Irish sort is particularly distinguished for its pleasant and mild flavour.

Those whose abilities or knowledge incline them most to deviate from the general round of life are recalled from eccentricity by the laws of their existence.

I had rather see the portrait of a dog that I know, than all the allegorical paintings they can show me in the world.

His death eclipsed the gayety of nations, and impoverished the public stock of harmless pleasure.

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.