2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Network. Anything reticulated or decussated at equal distances, with interstices between the intersections.

There are occasions on which all apologies are rudeness.

The mathematicians are well acquainted with the difference between pure science, which has only to do with ideas, and the application of its laws to the use of life, in which they are constrained to submit to the imperfections of matter and the influence of accidents.

Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.

Some read for style, and some for argument: one has little care about the sentiment, he observes only how it is expressed; another regards not the conclusion, but is diligent to mark how it is inferred; they read for other purposes than the attainment of practical knowledge; and are no more likely to grow wise by an examination of a treatise of moral prudence, than an architect to inflame his devotion by considering attentively the proportions of a temple.

Sleep undisturbed within the peaceful shrine till angels wake thee with a note like thine.

A cucumber should be well sliced, and dressed with pepper and vinegar, and then thrown out, as good for nothing

A Scotchman must be a very sturdy moralist who does not love Scotland better than truth.

A fly, Sir, may sting a stately horse and make him wince; but, one is but an insect, and the other is a horse still.