Samuel Johnson

Since every man is obliged to promote happiness and virtue, he should be careful not to mislead unwary minds, by appearing to set too high a value upon things by which no real excellence is conferred.

Samuel Johnson

Since life itself is uncertain, nothing which has life for its basis can boast much stability.

Samuel Johnson

Slander is the revenge of a coward, and dissimulation of his defense.

Samuel Johnson

Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion.

Samuel Johnson

Sorrow is the mere rust of the soul. Activity will cleanse and brighten it.

Samuel Johnson

Surely, it is much easier to respect a man who has always had respect, than to respect a man who we know was last year no better than ourselves, and will be no better next year.

Samuel Johnson

Tea’s proper use is to amuse the idle, and relax the studious, and dilute the full meals of those who cannot use exercise, and will not use abstinence.

Samuel Johnson

That friendship may be at once fond and lasting, there must not only be equal virtue on each part, but virtue of the same kind; not only the same end must be proposed, but the same means must be approved by both.

Samuel Johnson

That kind of life is most happy which affords us most opportunities of gaining our own esteem.

Samuel Johnson

That man is never happy for the present is so true, that all his relief from unhappiness is only forgetting himself for a little while. Life is a progress from want to want, not from enjoyment to enjoyment.

Samuel Johnson