2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Want of tenderness is want of parts, and is no less a proof of stupidity than depravity.

Modern writers are the moons of literature; they shine with reflected light, with light borrowed from the ancients.

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.

There ambush here relentless ruffians lay, And here the fell attorney prowls for prey.

High people, sir, are the best; take a hundred ladies of quality, you'll find them better wives, better mothers, more willing to sacrifice their own pleasures to their children, than a hundred other woman.

Fate wings, with every wish, the afflictive dart, Each gift of nature, and each grace of art.

All theory is against free will; all experience is for it.

It requires but little acquaintance with the heart to know that woman's first wish is to be handsome; and that, consequently, the readiest method of obtaining her kindness is to praise her beauty.

No man is without some quality, by the due application of which he might deserve well of the world; and whoever he be that has but little in his power should be in haste to do that little, lest he be confounded with him that can do nothing.