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 nature
I have always considered it as treason against the great republic of human nature, to make any man's virtues the means of deceiving him. Samuel Johnson on nature
Nature has given women so much power that the law has very wisely given them little. Samuel Johnson on nature
Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel. Samuel Johnson on patriotism
Poetry is the art of uniting pleasure with truth. Samuel Johnson on poetry
You can't be in politics unless you can walk in a room and know in a minute who's for you and who's against you. Samuel Johnson on politics
Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not. Samuel Johnson on power
Few enterprises of great labor or hazard would be undertaken if we had not the power of magnifying the advantages we expect from them. Samuel Johnson on power
Nature has given women so much power that the law has very wisely given them little. Samuel Johnson on power
He that fails in his endeavors after wealth or power will not long retain either honesty or courage. Samuel Johnson on power
Power is not sufficient evidence of truth. Samuel Johnson on power
There are few things that we so unwillingly give up, even in advanced age, as the supposition that we still have the power of ingratiating ourselves with the fair sex. Samuel Johnson on power
Treating your adversary with respect is striking soft in battle. Samuel Johnson on respect
Let me smile with the wise, and feed with the rich. Samuel Johnson on smile
Life cannot subsist in society but by reciprocal concessions. Samuel Johnson on society
If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance. Samuel Johnson on strength
Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance. Samuel Johnson on strength
Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified. Samuel Johnson on success
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 on time
The greatest part of a writer's time is spent in reading in order to write. A man will turn over half a library to make a book. Samuel Johnson on time