In lapidary inscriptions a man is not upon oath. Samuel Johnson on epithets
Secure, whate'er he gives, he gives the best. Samuel Johnson on giving
We are long before we are convinced that happiness is never to be found, and each believes it possessed by others, to keep alive the hope of obtaining it for himself. Samuel Johnson on happiness
I deny the lawfulness of telling a lie to a sick man for fear of alarming him; you have no business with consequences you are to tell the truth. Samuel Johnson on honesty
Hope is itself a species of happiness, and perhaps the chief happiness which this world affords. Samuel Johnson on hope
Everything that enlarges the sphere of human powers, that shows man he can do what he thought he could not do, is valuable. Samuel Johnson on human
A jest's prosperity lies in the ear of him that hears it, Never in the tongue of him that makes it. Samuel Johnson on humor
Life is not long, and too much of it must not pass in idle deliberation how it shall be spent. Samuel Johnson on idleness
He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts Samuel Johnson on individuality
A man of genius has been seldom ruined but by himself. Samuel Johnson on intelligence
When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford. Samuel Johnson on london
It is so far from being natural for a man and woman to live in a state of marriage, that we find all the motives which they have for remaining in that connection, and the restraints which civilised society imposes to prevent separation, are hardly sufficient to keep them together. Samuel Johnson on marriage
The two offices of memory are collection and distribution. Samuel Johnson on memory
When any calamity has been suffered the first thing to be remembered is, how much has been escaped. Samuel Johnson on misfortune
Order is a lovely nymph, the child of Beauty and Wisdom; her attendants are Comfort, Neatness, and Activity; her abode is the valley of happiness: she is always to be found when sought for, and never appears so lovely as when contrasted with her opponent, Disorder. Samuel Johnson on order
The mind is seldom quickened to very vigorous operations but by pain, or the dread of pain. We do not disturb ourselves with the detection of fallacies which do us no harm. Samuel Johnson on pain
Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. Samuel Johnson on patriotism
Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance. Yonder palace was raised by single stones, yet you see its height and spaciousness. He that shall walk with vigor three hours a day will pass in seven years a space equal to the circumference of the globe. Samuel Johnson on perseverance
Men seldom give pleasure where they are not pleased themselves. Samuel Johnson on pleasure
The first years of man make provision for the last. Samuel Johnson on prudence