Samuel Johnson

More knowledge may be gained of a man’s real character by a short conversation with one of his servants than from a formal and studied narrative, begun with his pedigree and ended with his funeral.

Samuel Johnson

Most minds are the slaves of external circumstances, and conform to any hand that undertakes to mould them.

Samuel Johnson

Much may be made of a Scotchman, if he be caught young.

Samuel Johnson

Much mischief is done in the world with very little interest or design.

Samuel Johnson

My dear friend, clear your mind of cant.

Samuel Johnson

Nature has given women so much power that the law has very wisely given them little.

Samuel Johnson

Nature makes us poor only when we want necessaries, but custom gives the name of poverty to the want of superfluities.

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

New things are made familiar, and familiar things are made new.

Samuel Johnson

No government power can be abused long. Mankind will not bear it.

Samuel Johnson