Every man, however hopeless his pretensions may appear, has some project by which he hopes to rise to reputation; some art by which he imagines that the attention of the world will be attracted; some quality, good or bad, which discriminates him from the common herd of mortals, and by which others may be persuaded to love, or compelled to fear him.

Samuel Johnson

Categorized in : Art Men Quality

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.

Samuel Johnson

respect success inspirational

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

Samuel Johnson

genius curiosity education

He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts.

Samuel Johnson

change attitude positive

Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.

Samuel Johnson

strength retirement inspirational

Our aspirations are our possibilities.

Samuel Johnson

soulmate wish dream

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

Samuel Johnson

inspiration social kindness

The really happy woman is the one who can enjoy the scenery when she has to take a detour. Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but rather a manner of traveling.

Samuel Johnson

detours enjoy states

The future is purchased by the present.

Samuel Johnson

future truth

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.

Samuel Johnson

motivational positive inspirational

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

Samuel Johnson

patriotism patriotic lasts

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

Samuel Johnson

being-yourself life funny

The majority have no other reason for their opinions than that they are the fashion.

Samuel Johnson

majority fashion freedom

Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought; our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.

Samuel Johnson

laughter happy happiness

Whoever thinks of going to bed before twelve o'clock is a scoundrel.

Samuel Johnson

bed night thinking

You hesitate to stab me with a word, and know not - silence is the sharper sword.

Samuel Johnson

silence-is silence knows

When once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness or decency.

Samuel Johnson

return kindness littles

My dear friend, clear your mind of can't.

Samuel Johnson

complacency dear-friend mind

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

Samuel Johnson

political civilization history

Men who stand in the highest ranks of society seldom hear of their faults; if by any accident an opprobrious clamour reaches their ears, flattery is always at hand to pour in her opiates, to quiet conviction and obtund remorse.

Samuel Johnson

opiates men hands

Courage is the greatest of all virtues, because if you haven't courage, you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others.

Samuel Johnson

wisdom leadership positive