Samuel Johnson

The real satisfaction which praise can afford, is when what is repeated aloud agrees with the whispers of conscience, by showing us that we have not endeavored to deserve well in vain.

All wonder is the effect of novelty on ignorance.

It generally happens that assurance keeps an even pace with ability.

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

Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.

Were it not for imagination a man would be as happy in arms of a chambermaid as of a duchess.

Common sense is the best distributed thing in the world, for we all think we possess a good share of it.

We are prisoners of ideas.

Let him that would move the world, first move himself.

We are apt to love praise, but not deserve it. But if we would deserve it, we must love virtue more than that.

The fewer our wants the more we resemble the Gods.

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

Earth laughs in flowers.

I am a sky gazer. The sky, it pulls at me. Its amazing eternal expanse of breathtaking beauty calls me back to my senses, stretches my awareness, soothes my eyes, opens my heart, stills me. I feel a soft soul longing to be up there, in the vastness, amongst the clouds that are alive and billow and skud and glow; metamorphosing from perfection into perfection. A constantly changing canvas brushed by magic.

Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.

More helpful than all wisdom is one draught of simple human pity that will not forsake us.

Are you using your pain as an excuse or as a source of strength?

People who can’t be witty exert themselves to be devout and affectionate.

I’ve learned that from my husband, that sort of, you know, ability to not get too high or too low with changes and bumps in the road.

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

Self-preservation is the first law of nature.