When the original is well chosen and judiciously copied, the imitator often arrives at excellence which he could never have attained without direction; for few are formed with abilities to discover new possibilities of excellence, and to distinguish themselves by means never tried before.

Samuel Johnson

Categorized in : Mean Excellence Influence

The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him... by Samuel Johnson

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

respect success inspirational

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristic... by Samuel Johnson

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

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.

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.

strength retirement inspirational

Our aspirations are our possibilities. by Samuel Johnson

Our aspirations are our possibilities.

soulmate wish dream

Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not. by Samuel Johnson

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

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.

detours enjoy states

The future is purchased by the present. by Samuel Johnson

The future is purchased by the present.

future truth

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must fi... by Samuel Johnson

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

motivational positive inspirational

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel. by Samuel Johnson

Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

patriotism patriotic lasts

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qu... by Samuel Johnson

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

being-yourself life funny

The majority have no other reason for their opinions than that th... by Samuel Johnson

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

majority fashion freedom

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

laughter happy happiness

Whoever thinks of going to bed before twelve o'clock is a scoundr... by Samuel Johnson

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

bed night thinking

You hesitate to stab me with a word, and know not - silence is th... by Samuel Johnson

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

silence-is silence knows

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

return kindness littles

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

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

complacency dear-friend mind

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

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

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.

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.

wisdom leadership positive