Quotes by Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson

English writer

Alive from: 1709-1784

Category: Writers (Contemporary)

Quotes 1 till 15 of 385.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  A vow is a snare for sin.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  A man seldom thinks with more earnestness of anything than he does of his dinner.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  Actions are visible, though motives are secret.
  

• Samuel Johnson

  

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

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  As peace is the end of war, so to be idle is the ultimate purpose of the busy.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  Composition is, for the most part, an effort of slow diligence and steady perseverance, to which the mind is dragged by necessity or resolution, and from which the attention is every moment starting to more delightful amusements.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  Happiness is not a state to arrive at, rather, a manner of traveling.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  Hope is itself a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords: but, like all other pleasures immoderately enjoyed, the excesses of hope must be expiated by pain; and expectations improperly indulged must end in disappointment.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, history could not be written.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  It is very strange, and very melancholy, that the paucity of human pleasures should persuade us ever to call hunting one of them.

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.
  

• Samuel Johnson

  

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  Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.