2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Its proper use is to amuse the idle, and relax the studious, and dilute the full meals of those who cannot use exercise, and will not use abstinence.

Language is only the instrument of science, and words are but the signs of ideas.

It may be laid down as a position which seldom deceives, that when a man cannot bear his own company, there is something wrong.

Justice is indispensably and universally necessary, and what is necessary must always be limited, uniform, and distinct

Do not hope wholly to reason away your troubles; do not feed them with attention, and they will die imperceptibly away. Fix your thoughts upon your business, fill your intervals with company, and sunshine will again break in upon your mind.

There are occasions on which it is noble to dare to stand alone. To be pious among infidels, to be disinterested in a time of general venality, to lead a life of virtue and reason in the midst of sensualists, is a proof of a mind intent on nobler things than the praise or blame of men, of a soul fixed in the contemplation of the highest good, and superiour to the tyranny of custom and example.

Turn on the prudent ant thy heedful eyes. Observe her labors, sluggard, and be wise.

The natural progress of the works of men is from rudeness to convenience, from convenience to elegance, and from elegance to nicety.

God Himself, sir, does not propose to judge a man until his life is over. Why should you and I?