2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Small debts are like small shot; they are rattling on every side, and can scarcely be escaped without a wound: great debts are like cannon; of loud noise, but little danger.

It may likewise contribute to soften that resentment which pride naturally raises against opposition, if we consider, that he who differs from us, does not always contradict us; he has one view of an object, and we have another; each describes what h

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

Men who cannot deceive others are very often successful at deceiving themselves.

A coxcomb is ugly all over with the effectation of a fine gentleman.

No, Sir, you will have much more influence by giving or lending money where it is wanted, than by hospitality.

Sir, they are a race of convicts and ought to be grateful for anything we allow them short of hanging.

Is not a patron one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and, when he has reached ground, encumbers him with help?

Surely a long life must be somewhat tedious, since we are forced to call in so many trifling things to help rid us of our time, which will never return.