Samuel Johnson

It is, indeed, at home that every man must be known by those who would make a just estimate either of his virtue or felicity; for smiles and embroidery are alike occasional, and the mind is often dressed for show in painted honor, and fictitious benevolence.

There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern.

A man ought to read just as inclination leads him, for what he reads as a task will do him little good.

Your manuscript is both good and original; but the parts that are good are not original, and the parts that are original are not good.

Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and, when he has reached ground, encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take of my labors, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it.

No member of society has the right to teach any doctrine contrary to what society holds to be true.

I believe in one thing only, the power of the human will

Do the thing we fear, and the death of fear is certain.

Haste makes Work which Caution prevents.

There is no value in life except what you choose to place upon it and no happiness in any place except what you bring to it yourself.

He was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend; provided, of course, he really is dead.

He that has more knowledge than judgment, is made for another man’s use more than his own.

From a worldly point of view, there is no mistake so great as that of being always right.

It is the flash which appears, the thunderbolt will follow.

It is easy to say how we love new friends, and what we think of them, but words can never trace out all the fibers that knit us to the old.

How great, my friends, is the virtue of living upon a little!

When you know better, you do better.

Humility like the darkness, reveals the heavenly lights.

As the births of living creatures, at first, are ill-shapen: so are all Innovations, which are the births of time.

Between his consciousness and events stood always that impenetrable medium – indifference.

He that will enjoy the brightness of sunshine, must quit the coolness of the shade.