2,116 Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Idleness is often covered by turbulence and hurry. He that neglects his known duty and real employment naturally endeavours to crowd his mind with something that may bar out the remembrance of his own folly, and does any thing but what he ought to do with eager diligence, that he may keep himself in his own favour.

Those authors who would find many readers, must endeavour to please while they instruct.

The stream of Time, which is continually washing the dissoluble fabrics of other poets, passes without injury by the adamant of Shakespeare.

Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion.

The true art of memory is the art of attention.

Shame arises from the fear of men, conscience from the fear of God.

Inquiries into the heart are not for man.

Cowardice encroaches fast upon such as spend their lives in company of persons higher than themselves.

An epithet or metaphor drawn from nature ennobles art; an epithet or metaphor drawn from art degrades nature.