When speculation has done its worst, two and two still make four. Samuel Johnson More Quotes by Samuel Johnson More Quotes From Samuel Johnson In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it; for no species of falsehood is more frequent than flattery, to which the coward is betrayed by fear, the dependent by interest, and the friend by tenderness: those who are neither servile nor timorous are yet desirous to bestow pleasure; and, while unjust demands of praise continue to be made, there will always be some whom hope, fear, or kindness will dispose to pay them. Samuel Johnson kindnessmenorder Fine clothes are good only as they supply the want of other means of procuring respect. Samuel Johnson clothesfashionmean There are indeed, in the present corruption of mankind, many incitements to forsake truth: the need of palliating our own faults and the convenience of imposing on the ignorance or credulity of others so frequently occur; so many immediate evils are Samuel Johnson ignoranceevilneeds The great effect of friendship is beneficence, yet by the first act of uncommon kindness it is endangered. Samuel Johnson lost-friendshipkindnessfirsts It may be observed in general that the future is purchased by the present. It is not possible to secure distant or permanent happiness but by the forbearance of some immediate gratification. Samuel Johnson forbearancefuturemay It is better a man should be abused than forgotten. Samuel Johnson abuseforgottenmen The mathematicians are well acquainted with the difference between pure science, which has only to do with ideas, and the application of its laws to the use of life, in which they are constrained to submit to the imperfections of matter and the influence of accidents. Samuel Johnson lawscienceideas A quibble is to Shakespeare what luminous vapours are to the traveller: he follows it at all adventures; it is sure to lead him out of his way and sure to engulf him in the mire. Samuel Johnson vapouradventureway Every man who attacks my belief, diminishes in some degree my confidence in it, and therefore makes me uneasy; and I am angry with him who makes me uneasy. Samuel Johnson degreesbeliefmen Some read for style, and some for argument: one has little care about the sentiment, he observes only how it is expressed; another regards not the conclusion, but is diligent to mark how it is inferred; they read for other purposes than the attainment of practical knowledge; and are no more likely to grow wise by an examination of a treatise of moral prudence, than an architect to inflame his devotion by considering attentively the proportions of a temple. Samuel Johnson stylereadingwise Criticism, though dignified from the earliest ages by the labours of men eminent for knowledge and sagacity, has not yet attained the certainty and stability of science. Samuel Johnson menscienceknowledge Fear is implanted in us as a preservative from evil but its duty, like that of other passions, is not to overbear reason, but to assist it. It should not be suffered to tyrannize in the imagination, to raise phantoms of horror, or to beset life with supernumerary distresses. Samuel Johnson passionimaginationevil I know not any crime so great that a man could contrive to commit as poisoning the sources of eternal truth. Samuel Johnson crimesourcemen Why, sir, Sherry is dull, naturally dull; but it must have taken him a great deal of pains to become what we now see him. Such an excess of stupidity, Sir, is not in Nature. Samuel Johnson paintakenstupid Want of tenderness is want of parts, and is no less a proof of stupidity than depravity. Samuel Johnson proofstupiditywant Whoever commits a fraud is guilty not only of the particular injury to him who he deceives, but of the diminution of that confidence which constitutes not only the ease but the existence of society. Samuel Johnson deceitguiltyease At seventy-seven it is time to be in earnest. Samuel Johnson agetimebirthday Advice is seldom welcome. Those who need it most, like it least. Samuel Johnson welcomeadviceneeds Power is gradually stealing away from the many to the few, because the few are more vigilant and consistent. Samuel Johnson stealingconsistentevil It is a most mortifying reflection for a man to consider what he has done, compared to what he might have done. Samuel Johnson wisdomreflectionmen
