Samuel Johnson

Feast of Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304 Commemoration of Samuel Johnson, Writer, Moralist, 1784 It is by affliction chiefly read more

Feast of Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304 Commemoration of Samuel Johnson, Writer, Moralist, 1784 It is by affliction chiefly that the heart of man is purified, and that the thoughts are fixed on a better state. Prosperity has power to intoxicate the imagination, to fix the mind upon the present scene, to produce confidence and elation, and to make him who enjoys affluence and honors forget the hand by which they were bestowed. It is seldom that we are otherwise than by affliction awakened to a sense of our imbecility, or taught to know how little all our acquisitions can conduce to safety or quiet, and how justly we may inscribe to the superintendence of a higher power those blessings which in the wantonness of success we considered as the attainments of our policy and courage.

Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one step of success to another, forming new read more

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.

For I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly will
hardly mind anything else.

For I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly will
hardly mind anything else.

The difference between coarse and refined abuse is the difference between being bruised by a club and wounded by a read more

The difference between coarse and refined abuse is the difference between being bruised by a club and wounded by a poisoned arrow.

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone; read more

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone; one should keep his friendships in constant repair. -Samuel Johnson.