2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

A generous and elevated mind is distinguished by nothing more certainly than an eminent degree of curiosity.

Conjecture as to things useful, is good; but conjecture as to what it would be useless to know, is very idle.

The good of our present state is merely comparative, and the evil which every man feels will be sufficient to disturb and harass him if he does not know how much he escapes.

Of him that hopes to be forgiven it is indispensably required that he forgive. It is, therefore, superfluous to urge any other motive. On this great duty eternity is suspended, and to him that refuses to practise it, the throne of mercy is inaccessible, and the Saviour of the world has been born in vain.

The hapless wit has his labors always to begin, the call for novelty is never satisfied, and one jest only raises expectation of another.

Fine clothes are good only as they supply the want of other means of procuring respect.

By forbearing to do what may innocently be done, we may add hourly new vigor to resolution.

Parents are by no means exempt from the intoxication of dominion.

As the greatest liar tells more truths than falsehoods, so may it be said of the worst man, that he does more good than evil.