Samuel Johnson

Those who attain any excellence commonly spend life in one pursuit; for excellence is not often granted upon easier terms.

Those who attain any excellence commonly spend life in one pursuit; for excellence is not often granted upon easier terms.

Fine clothes are good only as they supply the want of other means
of procuring respect.

Fine clothes are good only as they supply the want of other means
of procuring respect.

Commemoration of Samuel Seabury, First Anglican Bishop in North America, 1796 [Dr. Johnson to a Quaker:] Oh, let us read more

Commemoration of Samuel Seabury, First Anglican Bishop in North America, 1796 [Dr. Johnson to a Quaker:] Oh, let us not be found, when our Master calls us, ripping the lace off our waistcoats, but the spirit of contention from our souls and tongues.

Of all the griefs that harass the distress'd,
Sure the most bitter is a scornful jest;
Fate read more

Of all the griefs that harass the distress'd,
Sure the most bitter is a scornful jest;
Fate never wounds more deep the generous heart,
Than when a blockhead's insult points the dart.

He that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious, and he that becomes suspicious will quickly become corrupt.

He that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious, and he that becomes suspicious will quickly become corrupt.