2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

The drama's laws the drama's patrons give. For we that live to please must please to live.

The relief of enemies has a tendency to unite mankind in fraternal affection.

There are goods so opposed that we cannot seize both, but, by too much prudence, may pass between them at too great a distance to reach either.

If useless thoughts could be expelled from the mind, all the valuable parts of our knowledge would more frequently recur.

All argument is against it; but all belief is for it.

Truth allows no choice.

Luxury, so far as it reaches the people, will do good to the race of people; it will strengthen and multiply them. Sir, no nation was ever hurt by luxury; for, as I said before; it can reach but a very few.

The care of the critic should be to distinguish error from inability, faults of inexperience from defects of nature.

Reflect that life, like every other blessing, Derives its value from its use alone.