Samuel Johnson Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Samuel Johnson quotes, Samuel Johnson sayings, and Samuel Johnson proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier, or not having been at sea. Samuel Johnson
Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not. Samuel Johnson
This is one of the disadvantages of wine: it makes a man mistake words for thought. Samuel Johnson
The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are. Samuel Johnson
A man who exposes himself when he is intoxicated, has not the art of getting drunk. Samuel Johnson
Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. Samuel Johnson
Reproof should not exhaust its power upon petty failings. Samuel Johnson
Being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned. Samuel Johnson
To have gold is to be in fear, and to want it to be sorrow. Samuel Johnson
What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure. Samuel Johnson
One of the disadvanages of wine is that it makes a man mistake words for thoughts. Samuel Johnson
Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen. Samuel Johnson
Sorrow is properly that state of the mind in which our desires are fixed upon the past without looking forward to the future. Samuel Johnson
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
The blaze of reputation cannot be blown out, but it often dies in the socket; a very few names may be considered as perpetual lamps that shine unconsumed. Samuel Johnson
Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged. Samuel Johnson
The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are. Samuel Johnson
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
Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks. Samuel Johnson
Prosperity's right hand is industry and her left hand is frugality. Samuel Johnson
Words are but the signs of ideas. Samuel Johnson
Alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life. Samuel Johnson
A man who both spends and saves money is the happiest man, because he has both enjoyments. Samuel Johnson
This was a good dinner enough, to be sure, but it was not a dinner to ask a man to. Samuel Johnson
The happiest part of a man's life is what he passes lying awake in bed in the morning. Samuel Johnson
In bed we laugh, in bed we cry, and born in bed, in bed we die; the near approach a bed may show of human bliss to human woe. Samuel Johnson
The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered, but a general effect of pleasing impression. Samuel Johnson
The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are. Samuel Johnson
All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it. Samuel Johnson
Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call her own. Samuel Johnson