In all pointed sentences, some degree of accuracy must be sacrificed to conciseness. Samuel Johnson More Quotes by Samuel Johnson More Quotes From Samuel Johnson To make dictionaries is dull work. Samuel Johnson dictionarydull Was there ever yet anything written by mere man that was wished longer by its readers, excepting Don Quixote, Robinson Crusoe, and the Pilgrim's Progress? Samuel Johnson robinson-crusoeprogressmen His most frequent ailment was the headache which he used to relieve by inhaling the steam of coffee. Samuel Johnson headacheusedcoffee I love the acquaintance of young people; because, in the first place, I do not like to think myself growing old. In the next place, young acquaintances must last longest, if they do last; and then, sir, young men have more virtue than old men; they have more generous sentiments in every respect. Samuel Johnson menpeoplethinking The civilities of the great are never thrown away. Samuel Johnson civilitycampaignspolitical The expense is damnable, the position is ridiculous, and the pleasure fleeting. Samuel Johnson fleetingridiculouspleasure Whoever wishes to attain an English style, familiar but not coarse, and elegant but not ostentatious, must give his days and nights to the volumes of Addison. Samuel Johnson stylegivingnight It has long been observed, that an atheist has no just reason for endeavouring conversions; and yet none harass those minds which they can influence, with more importunity of solicitation to adopt their opinions. In proportion as they doubt the truth of their own doctrines, they are desirous to gain the attestation of another understanding: and industriously labour to win a proselyte, and eagerly catch at the slightest pretense to dignify their sect with a distinguished name. Samuel Johnson atheistnameswinning It is not easy to surround life with any circumstances in which youth will not be delightful. Samuel Johnson youthcircumstanceseasy The trappings of a monarchy would set up an ordinary commonwealth. Samuel Johnson royaltygovernmentordinary All this [wealth] excludes but one evil, poverty. Samuel Johnson wealthpovertyevil Fears of the brave and follies of the wise. Samuel Johnson prodigiesbravewise I have always suspected that the reading is right, which requires many words to prove it wrong; and the emendation wrong, that cannot without so much labour appear to he right. Samuel Johnson prove-itprovereading Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, of sickness, or captivity, would, without this comfort, be insupportable; nor does it appear that the happiest lot of terrestrial existence can set us above the want of this general blessing; or that life, when the gifts of nature and of fortune are accumulated upon it, would not still be wretched, were it not elevated and delighted by the expectation of some new possession, of some enjoyment yet behind, by which the wish shall at last be satisfied, and the heart filled up to its utmost extent. Samuel Johnson filled-upblessingheart Merriment is always the effect of a sudden impression. The jest which is expected is already destroyed. Samuel Johnson jestimpressionexpected I remember very well, when I was at Oxford, an old gentleman said to me, "Young man, ply your book diligently now, and acquire a stock of knowledge; for when years come upon you, you will find that poring upon books will be but an irksome task. Samuel Johnson menbookyears An exotic and irrational entertainment, which has been always combated, and always has prevailed. Samuel Johnson irrationalexoticentertainment The reciprocal civility of authors is one of the most risible scenes in the farce of life. Samuel Johnson farcecivilityscene [The poet] must write as the interpreter of nature and the legislator of mankind, and consider himself as presiding over the thoughts and manners of future generations, as a being superior to time and place. Samuel Johnson generationspoetwriting I have two very cogent reasons for not printing any list of subscribers; one, that I have lost all the names, the other, that I have spent all the money. Samuel Johnson listsnamestwo
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