Samuel Johnson Quotes About Talent

• 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.

• 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

• The true genius is a mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction.

  Samuel Johnson

  Determination, Luck, Mind

  'The Lives of the English Poets' (1779-81) 'Cowley'

• It generally happens that assurance keeps an even pace with ability.

  Samuel Johnson

  Confidence, Genius, Pace

  Samuel Johnson (1827). “The Rambler”, p.32

• Cunning has effect from the credulity of others, rather than from the abilities of those who are cunning. It requires no extraordinary talents to lie and deceive.

  Samuel Johnson

  Lying, Deceit, Talent

  James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, Robert Carruthers (1852). “The journal of a tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson, LL.D.”, p.171

• There must always be some advantage on one side or the other, and it is better that advantage should be had by talents than by chance.

  Samuel Johnson

  Sides, Chance, Talent

  James Boswell, Samuel Johnson (1786). “Boswell's Life of Johnson: Including Boswell's Journal of a Tour of the Hebrides, and Johnson's Diary of A Journey Into North Wales”, p.29

• His virtues walked their narrow round,
  Nor made a pause, nor left a void;
  And sure the Eternal Master found
  The single talent well employed.

  Samuel Johnson

  Void, Talent, Virtue

  Samuel Johnson (1816). “The Poetical Works of Samuel Johnson, L.L.D.: With an Account of the Author's Life”, p.109

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