Samuel Johnson

Pity is not natural to man. Children and savages are always cruel. Pity is acquired and improved by the cultivation read more

Pity is not natural to man. Children and savages are always cruel. Pity is acquired and improved by the cultivation of reason. We may have uneasy sensations from seeing a creature in distress, without pity; but we have not pity unless we wish to relieve him.

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.

The superiority of some men is merely local. They are great because their associates are little.

The superiority of some men is merely local. They are great because their associates are little.

For patience, sov'reign o'er transmuted ill.

For patience, sov'reign o'er transmuted ill.

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.