I am mortified to be told that, in the United States of America, the sale of a book can become a subject of inquiry, and of criminal inquiry too. Thomas Jefferson on censorship
Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. Thomas Jefferson on happiness
Liberty is to the collective body, what health is to every individual body. Without health no pleasure can be tasted by man; without liberty, no happiness can be enjoyed by society. Thomas Jefferson on liberty
The art of life is the art of avoiding pain. Thomas Jefferson on pain
A superintending power to maintain the Universe in its course and order. Thomas Jefferson on religion
When people find a man of the most distinguished abilities as a writer their inferior while he is with them, it must behighly gratifying to them. Samuel Johnson on ability
Advertisements are now so numerous that they are very negligently perused, and it is therefore become necessary to gain attention by magnificence of promises and by eloquence sometimes sublime and sometimes pathetick... Samuel Johnson on advertise
A wise man is cured of ambition by ambition itself; his aim is so exalted that riches, office, fortune and favour cannot satisfy him. Samuel Johnson on ambition
Avarice is generally the last passion of those lives of which the first part has been squandered in pleasure, and the second devoted to ambition. He that sinks under the fatigue of getting wealth, lulls his age with the milder business of saving it. Samuel Johnson on avarice
The chief glory of every people arises from its authors. Samuel Johnson on books
Bravery has no place where it can avail nothing. Samuel Johnson on courage
In solitude we have our dreams to ourselves, and in company we agree to dream in concert. Samuel Johnson on dreams