The true art of memory is the art of attention. Samuel Johnson More Quotes by Samuel Johnson More Quotes From Samuel Johnson How many may a man of diffusive conversation count among his acquaintances, whose lives have been signalized by numberless escapes; who never cross the river but in a storm, or take a journey into the country without more adventures than befel the knights-errant of ancient times in pathless forests or enchanted castles! How many must he know, to whom portents and prodigies are of daily occurrence; and for whom nature is hourly working wonders invisible to every other eye, only to supply them with subjects of conversation? Samuel Johnson eyeadventurecountry A successful author is equally in danger of the diminution of his fame, whether he continues or ceases to write. The regard of the public is not to be kept but by tribute, and the remembrance of past service will quickly languish unless successive performances frequently revive it. Yet in every new attempt there is new hazard, and there are few who do not, at some unlucky time, injure their own characters by attempting to enlarge them. Samuel Johnson successfulwritingcharacter Pound St. Paul's Church into atoms, and consider any single atom; it is to be sure, good for nothing; but put all these atoms together, and you have St. Paul's Church. So it is with human felicity, which is made up of many ingredients, each of which may be shown to be very insignificant. Samuel Johnson atomschurchtogether To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity; the next is, to strive, and deserve to conquer: but he whose life has passed without a contest, and who can boast neither success nor merit, can survey himself only as a useless filler of existence; ad if he is content with his own character, must owe his satisfaction to insensibility. Samuel Johnson effortuselesscharacter He that travels in theory has no inconveniences. Samuel Johnson inconveniencetheory There will always be a part, and always a very large part of every community, that have no care but for themselves, and whose care for themselves reaches little further than impatience of immediate pain, and eagerness for the nearest good. Samuel Johnson paincarecommunity Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged. Samuel Johnson passionrevengejustice Shakespeare never had more than 6 lines together without a fault. Samuel Johnson faultslinestogether Such is the common process of marriage. A youth and maiden exchange meeting by chance, or brought together by artifice, exchange glances, reciprocate civilities, go home, and dream of one another. Having little to divert attention, or diversify thought, they find themselves uneasy when they are apart, and therefore conclude that they shall be happy together. They marry, and discover what nothing but voluntary blindness had before concealed; they wear out life in altercations, and charge nature with cruelty. Samuel Johnson marriagedreamhome There is no crime more infamous than the violation of truth. It is apparent that men can be social beings no longer than they believe each other. When speech is employed only as the vehicle of falsehood, every man must disunite himself from others, inhabit his own cave and seek prey only for himself. Samuel Johnson societymenbelieve Slander is the revenge of a coward, and dissimulation of his defense. Samuel Johnson cowarddefenserevenge The safe and general antidote against sorrow is employment. It is commonly observed, that among soldiers and seamen, though there is much kindness, there is little grief; they see their friend fall without any of that lamentation which is indulged in security and idleness, because they have no leisure to spare from the care of themselves; and whoever shall keep his thoughts equally busy will find himself equally unaffected with irretrievable losses. Samuel Johnson griefkindnessfall How small of all that human hearts endure/That part which laws or kings can cause or cure. Samuel Johnson kingslawheart What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence. Samuel Johnson life-and-lovedancesuccess Abstinence is as easy to me as temperance would be difficult. Samuel Johnson cookingfoodhappiness How small of all that human hearts endure, That part which laws or kings can cause or cure! Still to ourselves in every place consigned, Our own felicity we make or find. With secret course, which no loud storms annoy, Glides the smooth current of domestic joy. Samuel Johnson kingslawheart Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Samuel Johnson persistenceperseverancedetermination Excellence in any department can be attained only by the labor of a lifetime; it is not to be purchased at a lesser price. Samuel Johnson hard-workencouragementexcellence It is better to suffer wrong than to do it. Samuel Johnson survivorsuffering Cruel with guilt, and daring with despair, the midnight murderer bursts the faithless bar; invades the sacred hour of silent rest and leaves, unseen, a dagger in your breast. Samuel Johnson unseendespairguilt
