Samuel Johnson

Lawyers know life practically. A bookish man should always have them to converse with.

Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.

He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.

Patron: One who countenances, supports or protects. Commonly a wretch who supports with insolence, and is paid with flattery.

Sir, that all who are happy, are equally happy, is not true. A peasant and a philosopher may be equally satisfied, but not equally happy. Happiness consists in the multiplicity of agreeable consciousness.

Those who attain any excellence, commonly spend life in one pursuit; for excellence is not often gained upon easier terms.

Riches are for spending.

This is the comfort of the godly: the grave cannot hold them, and they live as soon as they die. For death is no more than turning us over from time to eternity.

The characteristic of genuine heroism is its persistency. All men have wandering impulses, fits and starts of generosity. But when you have resolved to be great, abide by yourself, and do not weakly try to reconcile yourself with the world. The heroic cannot be the common, nor the common the heroic.

We are not what we are, nor do we treat or esteem each other for such, but for what we are capable of being.

I know of no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that of tenacity of purpose.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

The only failure a man ought to fear is failure in cleaving to the purpose he sees to be best.

Light is the first of painters. There is no object so foul that intense light will not make it beautiful.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent. He has facts ready to his hand; so there is no exercise of invention. Imagination is not required in any degree; only about as much as is used in the lowest kinds of poetry. Some penetration, accuracy, and coloring, will fit a man for the task, if he can give the application which is necessary.

Wherever work is done, victory is attained.

We all have our challenges, issues, things that we’re working through and insecurity is there because nobody is perfect no matter who you are. It’s that imperfection that makes you so dope.

Nothing is more costly, nothing is more sterile, than vengeance.

He presents me with what is always an acceptable gift who brings me news of a great thought before unknown. He enriches me without impoverishing himself.

Difficulties mastered are opportunities won.

Rituals are important. Nowadays it’s hip not to be married. I’m not interested in being hip.