Samuel Johnson

It is necessary to hope… for hope itself is happiness.

Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those who we cannot resemble.

The luster of diamonds is invigorated by the interposition of darker bodies; the lights of a picture are created by the shades; the highest pleasure which nature has indulged to sensitive perception is that of rest after fatigue.

Worth seeing? Yes; but not worth going to see.

What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence.

The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write; a man will turn over half a library to make one book.

The profoundest thought or passion sleeps as in a mine, until an equal mind and heart finds and publishes it.

But that intimacy of mutual embarrassment, in which each feels that the other is feeling something, having once existed, its effect is not to be done away with.

Love is a gross exaggeration of the difference between one person and everybody else.

Adversity is the state in which man mostly easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.

Most people have never learned that one of the main aims in life is to enjoy it.

Tyrants have always some slight shade of virtue; they support the laws before destroying them.

Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer.

Very few people can afford to be poor.

Pit race against race, religion against religion, prejudice against prejudice. Divide and conquer! We must not let that happen here.

Our virtues are dearer to us the more we have had to suffer for them. It is the same with our children. All profound affection entertains a sacrifice. Our thoughts are often worse than we are, just as they are often better.

If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die.

But men must know, that in this theatre of man’s life it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on.

I don’t like to commit myself about heaven and hell – you see, I have friends in both places.

If you have knowledge, let others light their candles with it.

Excessive literary production is a social offense.