Many useful and valuable books lie buried in shops and libraries, unknown and unexamined, unless some lucky compiler opens them by chance, and finds an easy spoil of wit and learning. Samuel Johnson More Quotes by Samuel Johnson More Quotes From Samuel Johnson Timidity is a disease of the mind, obstinate and fatal; for a man once persuaded that any impediment is insuperable has given it, with respect to himself, that strength and weight which it had not before. Samuel Johnson fear mind men He that is much flattered soon learns to flatter himself. Samuel Johnson flattered flattery It requires but little acquaintance with the heart to know that woman's first wish is to be handsome; and that, consequently, the readiest method of obtaining her kindness is to praise her beauty. Samuel Johnson wish kindness heart Of him that hopes to be forgiven it is indispensably required that he forgive. It is, therefore, superfluous to urge any other motive. On this great duty eternity is suspended, and to him that refuses to practise it, the throne of mercy is inaccessible, and the Saviour of the world has been born in vain. Samuel Johnson thrones forgiveness forgiving They who look but little into futurity, have, perhaps, the quickest sensation of the present. Samuel Johnson future littles looks Gaiety is to good-humor as animal perfumes to vegetable fragrance. The one overpowers weak spirits, the other recreates and revives them. Gaiety seldom fails to give some pain; good-humor boasts no faculties which every one does not believe in his own power, and pleases principally by not offending. Samuel Johnson pain animal believe Games are good or bad as to their nature; all may be perverted. Samuel Johnson games may Genius, that power which constitutes a poet; that quality without which judgment is cold, and knowledge is inert; that energy which collects, combines, amplifies and animates. Samuel Johnson quality genius energy It is good sense applied with diligence to what was at first a mere accident, and which by great application grew to be called, by the generality of mankind, a particular genius. Samuel Johnson diligence genius firsts Glory, the casual gift of thoughtless crowds! Samuel Johnson crowds virtue glory For gold the hireling judge distorts the laws. Samuel Johnson gold judging law The dangers gather as the treasures rise. Samuel Johnson treasure gold danger Gayety is to good-humor as perfumes to vegetable fragrance: the one overpowers weak spirits; the other recreates and revives them. Samuel Johnson offending vegetables spirit Good-humor is a state between gayety and unconcern,--the act or emanation of a mind at leisure to regard the gratification of another. Samuel Johnson leisure states mind Gratitude is a species of justice. Samuel Johnson species gratitude justice The business of life summons us away from useless grief, and calls us to the exercise of those virtues of which we are lamenting our deprivation. Samuel Johnson useless grief exercise One of the most pernicious effects of haste is obscurity. Samuel Johnson effects obscurity haste No man hates him at whom he can laugh. Samuel Johnson hate-him hate men The heroes of literary history have been no less remarkable for what they have suffered than for what they have achieved. Samuel Johnson has-beens remarkable hero Yet reason frowns in war's unequal game, Samuel Johnson regret hero war
