2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Life is a pill which none of us can bear to swallow without gilding.

Cucumber should be well sliced, dressed with pepper and vinegar, and then thrown out.

To write is, indeed, no unpleasing employment, when one sentiment readily produces another, and both ideas and expressions present themselves at the first summons; but such happiness, the greatest genius does not always obtain; and common writers know it only to such a degree, as to credit its possibility. Composition is, for the most part, an effort of slow diligence and steady perseverance, to which the mind is dragged by necessity or resolution, and from which the attention is every moment starting to more delightful amusements.

Whatever advantage we snatch beyond a certain portion allotted us by at nature, is like money spent before it is due, which, at the time of regular payment, will be missed and regretted.

Like an image in a dream the world is troubled by love, hatred, and other poisons. So long as the dream lasts, the image appears to be real; but on awaking it vanishes.

The necessary connexion of representatives with taxes, seems to have sunk deep into many of those minds, that admit sounds, without their meaning.

By those who look close to the ground dirt will be seen. I hope I see things from a greater distance.

As pride sometimes is hid under humility, idleness if often covered by turbulence and hurry.

We go from anticipation to anticipation, not from satisfaction to satisfaction.