Samuel Johnson Quotes

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

  Samuel Johnson

  Inspirational, Success, Respect

  125 Copy quote
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  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.

  Samuel Johnson

  Change, Positive, Attitude

  Samuel Johnson (1851). “The beauties of Johnson: choice selections from his works”, p.41

  80 Copy quote

• Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal; and he may be properly charged with evil who refused to learn how he might prevent it.

  Samuel Johnson

  Ignorance, Evil, Criminals

  Samuel Johnson, Arthur Murphy (1825). “The Works of Samuel Johnson”, p.264

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

  Samuel Johnson

  Education, Curiosity, Genius

  The Rambler, No. 103, March 12, 1751.

  108 Copy quote

• Fraud and falsehood only dread examination. Truth invites it.

  Samuel Johnson

  Examination, Fraud, Dread

  Lectures on the Elements of Political Economy, 1831.

  53 Copy quote

• The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

  Samuel Johnson

  Wisdom, Writing, Procrastination

  Statement on April 14, 1775. "Life of Samuel Johnson". Book by James Boswell. Volume II, 1791.

  14 Copy quote

• It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives.

  Samuel Johnson

  Life, Men, Memorial

  Quoted in James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) (entry for 26 Oct. 1769)

  7 Copy quote

• Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

  Samuel Johnson

  Patriotic, Patriotism, Lasts

  "Offensive Remarks Are Part of Free Speech" by Hilary Hirschfeld, www.smudailycampus.com. October 22, 2008.

  41 Copy quote

• It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust.

  Samuel Johnson

  Trust, Cheating, Pain

  Samuel Johnson (1752). “The Rambler”, p.79

  31 Copy quote

• Language is the dress of thought; every time you talk your mind is on parade.

  Samuel Johnson

  Time, Mind, Dresses

  22 Copy quote

• Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties.

  Samuel Johnson

  Success, Work, Pleasure

  Samuel Johnson (1848). “The Wisdom of the Rambler, Adventurer, and Idler”, p.132

  36 Copy quote

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

  Samuel Johnson

  Kindness, Inspiration, Social

  97 Copy quote

• None but a fool worries about things he cannot influence.

  Samuel Johnson

  Worry, Fool, Influence

  11 Copy quote

• Prejudice is a great time-saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts. Prejudice not being founded on reason cannot be removed by argument.

  Samuel Johnson

  Prejudice, Facts, Opinion

  54 Copy quote

• The future is purchased by the present.

  Samuel Johnson

  Truth, Future

  Samuel Johnson, Elizabeth Carter, Samuel Richardson, Catherine Talbot (1809). “The Rambler”, p.94

  67 Copy quote

• Advice is seldom welcome. Those who need it most, like it least.

  Samuel Johnson

  Advice, Needs, Welcome

  11 Copy quote

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

  Samuel Johnson

  Inspirational, Motivational, Positive

  Samuel Johnson, Francis William Blagdon (1811). “The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia”, p.42

  28 Copy quote

• Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.

  Samuel Johnson

  Trust, Heart, Tongue

  31 Copy quote

• Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.

  Samuel Johnson

  Inspirational, Strength, Retirement

  76 Copy quote

• You can never be wise unless you love reading.

  Samuel Johnson

  Wise, Reading, Being Wise

  James Boswell, Samuel Johnson (1824). “The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL. D., Comprehending an Account of His Studies, and Numerous Works, in Chronological Order: A Series of His Epistolary Correspondence and Conversations with Many Eminent Persons; and Various Original Pieces of His Composition, Never Before Published; the Whole Exhibiting a View of Literature and Literary Men in Great Britain, for Near Half a Century During which He Flourished”, p.101

  22 Copy quote

• If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance.

  Samuel Johnson

  Motivational, Perseverance, Determination

  Samuel Johnson (1834). “The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia: A Tale”, p.14

  27 Copy quote

• A little knowledge is a dangerous thing - it only hastens fools to rush in where angels fear to tread.

  Samuel Johnson

  Angel, Littles, Fool

  24 Copy quote

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

  Samuel Johnson

  Mind, Complacency, Dear Friend

  Quoted in James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) (entry for 15 May 1783)

  41 Copy quote

• Each person's work is always a portrait of himself.

  Samuel Johnson

  Success, Portraits, Persons

  24 Copy quote

• People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed.

  Samuel Johnson

  Business, People, Needs

  9 Copy quote

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