Samuel Johnson

Human life is everywhere a state in which much is to be endured, and little to be enjoyed.

Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier, or not having been at sea.

Why, Sir, most schemes of political improvement are very laughable things.

Solitude is dangerous to reason, without being favorable to virtue. Remember that the solitary mortal is certainly luxurious, probably superstitious, and possibly mad.

No man is much regarded by the rest of the world. He that considers how little he dwells upon the condition of others, will learn how little the attention of others is attracted by himself. While we see multitudes passing before us, of whom perhaps not one appears to deserve our notice or excites our sympathy, we should remember, that we likewise are lost in the same throng, that the eye which happens to glance upon us is turned in a moment on him that follows us, and that the utmost which we can reasonably hope or fear is to fill a vacant hour with prattle, and be forgotten.

If I had no duties, and no reference to futurity, I would spend my life in driving briskly in a post-chaise with a pretty woman.

Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

Go fish and hunt far and wide day by day – farther and wider – and rest thee by many brooks and hearth-sides without misgiving. Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Rise free from care before the dawn, and seek adventures. Let the noon find thee by other lakes, and the night overtake thee everywhere at home. There are no larger fields than these, no worthier games than may here be played.

George Washington, as a boy, was ignorant of the commonest accomplishments of youth. He could not even lie.

In the best, the friendliest and simplest relations flattery or praise is necessary, just as grease is necessary to keep wheels turning.

Acorns were good until bread was found.

Knowledge always demands increase; it is like fire, which must first be kindled by some external agent, but will afterwards always propagate itself.

Much may be made of a Scotchman, if he be caught young.

The wise man applauds he who he thinks most virtuous; the rest of the world applauds the wealthy.

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

We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us.

Learn to say “I don’t know.” If used when appropriate, it will be often.

Sooner or later that which is now life shall be poetry, and every fair and manly trait shall add a richer strain to the song.

Once made equal to man, woman becomes his superior.

If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.

A woman’s heart must be of such a size and no larger, else it must be pressed small, like Chinese feet; her happiness is to be made as cakes are, by a fixed recipe.