2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

We frequently fall into error and folly, not because the true principles of action are not known, but because for a time they are not remembered; he may, therefore, justly be numbered among the benefactors of mankind who contracts the great rules of life into short sentences that may early be impressed on the memory, and taught by frequent recollection to occur habitually to the mind.

We have always pretensions to fame which, in our own hearts, we know to be disputable.

Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen.

Never believe extraordinary characters which you hear of people. Depend upon it, they are exaggerated. You do not see one man shoot a great deal higher than another.

The life of a conscientious clergyman is not easy. I have always considered a clergyman as the father of a larger family than he is able to maintain. I would rather have chancery suits upon my hands than the cure of souls.

There are some sluggish men who are improved by drinking; as there are fruits that are not good until they are rotten.

Present opportunities are neglected, and attainable good is slighted, by minds busied in extensive ranges and intent upon future advantages.

There is nothing so minute, or inconsiderable, that I would not rather know it than not.

Milton, Madam, was a genius that could cut a Colossus from a rock; but could not carve heads upon cherry-stones.