2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Poverty is often concealed in splendor, and often in extravagance. It is the task of many people to conceal their neediness from others. Consequently they support themselves by temporary means, and everyday is lost in contriving for tomorrow.

To purchase Heaven has gold the power? Can gold remove the mortal hour? In life can love be bought with gold? Are friendship's pleasures to be sold? No--all that's worth a wish--a thought, Fair virtue gives unbribed, unbought. Cease then on trash thy hopes to bind, Let nobler views engage thy mind.

Adversity has ever been considered the state in which a man most easily becomes acquainted with himself.

He that never labors may know the pains of idleness, but not the pleasures.

He who attempts to do all will waste his life in doing little.

It is more reasonable to wish for reputation while it may be enjoyed, as Anacreon calls upon his companions to give him for present use the wine and garlands which they propose to bestow upon his tomb.

Evil is uncertain in the same degree as good, and for the reason that we ought not to hope too securely, we ought not to fear with to much dejection.

I am always sorry when any language is lost, because languages are the pedigrees of nations.

Never speak of a man in his own presence. It is always indelicate, and may be offensive .