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.'

No weakness of the human mind has more frequently incurred animadversion, than the negligence with which men overlook their own faults, however flagrant, and the easiness with which they pardon them, however frequently repeated. Samuel Johnson
Every one should consider himself as intrusted not only with his own conduct, but with that of others; and as accountable, not only for the duties which he neglects, or the crimes that he commits, but for that negligence and irregularity which he may encourage or inculcate. Every man, in whatever station, has, or endeavours to have his followers, admirers, and imitators, and has therefore the influence of his example to watch with care. Samuel Johnson
He that thinks he can afford to be negligent is not far from being poor. Samuel Johnson
I would rather be attacked than unnoticed. For the worst thing you can do to an author is to be silent as to his works. Samuel Johnson
It is, indeed, at home that every man must be known by those who would make a just estimate either of his virtue or felicity; for smiles and embroidery are alike occasional, and the mind is often dressed for show in painted honor, and fictitious benevolence. Samuel Johnson
Every man has a lurking wish to appear considerable in his native place. Samuel Johnson
Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion, and he whose real wants are supplied must admit those of fancy. Samuel Johnson
One of the most pernicious effects of haste is obscurity. Samuel Johnson
Human life is everywhere a state in which much is to be endured and little to be enjoyed. Samuel Johnson
An exotic and irrational entertainment, which has been always combated, and always has prevailed. Samuel Johnson
Suspicion is most often useless pain. Samuel Johnson
It is the just doom of laziness and gluttony to be inactive without ease and drowsy without tranquility. Samuel Johnson
He who aspires to be a serious wine drinker must drink claret. Samuel Johnson
In a man's letters you know, Madam, his soul lies naked, his letters are only the mirror of his breast, whatever passes within him is shown undisguised in its natural process. Nothing is inverted, nothing distorted, you see systems in their elements, you discover actions in their motives. Samuel Johnson
Human benevolence is mingled with vanity, interest, or some other motive. Samuel Johnson
We may have many acquaintances, but we can have but few friends; this made Aristotle say that he that hath many friends hath none. Samuel Johnson
If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, Sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair. Samuel Johnson
A wise man will make haste to forgive, because he knows the true value of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain. Samuel Johnson
People in distress never think that you feel enough. Samuel Johnson
Don't, Sir, accustom yourself to use big words for little matters. Samuel Johnson
How many may a man of diffusive conversation count among his acquaintances, whose lives have been signalized by numberless escapes; who never cross the river but in a storm, or take a journey into the country without more adventures than befel the knights-errant of ancient times in pathless forests or enchanted castles! How many must he know, to whom portents and prodigies are of daily occurrence; and for whom nature is hourly working wonders invisible to every other eye, only to supply them with subjects of conversation? Samuel Johnson
Never believe extraordinary characters which you hear of people. Depend upon it, they are exaggerated. You do not see one man shoot a great deal higher than another. Samuel Johnson
Norway, too, has noble wild prospects; and Lapland is remarkable for prodigious noble wild prospects. Samuel Johnson
Pride is seldom delicate: it will please itself with very mean advantages. Samuel Johnson
In sovereignty there are no gradations. Samuel Johnson
It is a hopeless endeavour to unite the contrarieties of spring and winter; it is unjust to claim the privileges of age, and retain the play-things of childhood. Samuel Johnson
Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor. Samuel Johnson
Frugality may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, and the parent of Liberty. Samuel Johnson
Getting money is not all a man's business: to cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life. Samuel Johnson
A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other. Samuel Johnson