Samuel Johnson

Distance has the same effect on the mind as on the eye.

No man was ever great by imitation.

Wine makes a man better pleased with himself. I do not say that it makes him more pleasing to others… This is one of the disadvantages of wine, it makes a man mistake words for thoughts.

The real satisfaction which praise can afford, is when what is repeated aloud agrees with the whispers of conscience, by showing us that we have not endeavored to deserve well in vain.

Books that you carry to the fire, and hold readily in your hand, are most useful after all.

And then, Sir, there is this consideration, that if the abuse be enormous, nature will rise up, and claiming her original rights, overturn a corrupt political system.

If a man will kick a fact out of the window, when he comes back he finds it again in the chimney corner.

The hottest love has the coldest end.

Of the blessings set before you make your choice, and be content.

Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.

Men talk as if victory were something fortunate. Work is victory.

The German intellect wants the French sprightliness, the fine practical understanding of the English, and the American adventure; but it has a certain probity, which never rests in a superficial performance, but asks steadily, To what end? A German public asks for a controlling sincerity.

Optimism is the madness of insisting that all is well when we are miserable.

Let your character be kept up the very end, just as it began, and so be consistent.

To get a name can happen but to few; it is one of the few things that cannot be brought. It is the free gift of mankind, which must be deserved before it will be granted, and is at last unwillingly bestowed.

Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor.

We have a problem. Congratulations. But it’s a tough problem. Then double congratulations.

Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.

If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform a million realities.

Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business.

The world is upheld by the veracity of good men: they make the earth wholesome. They who lived with them found life glad and nutritious. Life is sweet and tolerable only in our belief in such society.