Samuel Johnson Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Samuel Johnson quotes, Samuel Johnson sayings, and Samuel Johnson proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

No man will be found in whose mind airy notions do not sometimes tyrannize, and force him to hope or fear beyond the limits of sober probability. Samuel Johnson
Wine makes a man more pleased with himself; I do not say it makes him more pleasing to others. Samuel Johnson
The gratification of curiosity rather frees us from uneasiness, than confers pleasure. We are more pained by ignorance, than delighted by instruction. Curiosity is the thirst of the soul. Samuel Johnson
Curiosity is, in great and generous minds, the first passion and the last. Samuel Johnson
To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition. Samuel Johnson
I am hungry and thirsty, like him, but when thirst and hunger cease, I am not at thirst, I am not at rest. I am, like him, pained with want, but am not, like him satisfied with fullness. Samuel Johnson
He that pursues fame with just claims, trusts his happiness to the winds; but he that endeavors after it by false merit, has to fear, not only the violence of the storm, but the leaks of his vessel. Samuel Johnson
Prudence keeps life safe, but does not often make it happy. Samuel Johnson
A good wife is like the ivy which beautifies the building to which it clings, twining tendrils more lovingly as time converts the ancient edifice into ruins. Samuel Johnson
To improve the golden moment of opportunity and catch the good that is within our reach is the great art of life. Samuel Johnson
Present opportunities are neglected and attainable good is slighted, by minds busied in extensive ranges and intent upon future advantages. Samuel Johnson
The future is purchased by the present. Samuel Johnson
Let me smile with the wise, and feed with the rich. Samuel Johnson
No mind is much employed upon the present; recollection and anticipation fill up all our moments. Samuel Johnson
Rain is good for vegetables, and for the animals who eat those vegetables, and for the animals who eat those animals. Samuel Johnson
The two offices of memory are collection and distribution. Samuel Johnson
Don't talk of rudeness. We have done with civility. We are to be as rude as we please. Samuel Johnson
Marriages would be as happy if they were made by the Lord Chancellor without the parties having any choice in the matter. Samuel Johnson
Those who marry late are best pleased with their children; and those who marry early, with their partners. Samuel Johnson
Such is the state of life, that none are happy but by the anticipation of change, the change itself is nothing when we have made it, the next wish is to change again. Samuel Johnson
The truth is, that no mind is much employed upon the present recollection and anticipation fill up almost all our moments. Samuel Johnson
Love is the wisdom of the fool, and the folly of the wise. Samuel Johnson
Great works need no great strength, but by perseverance. Samuel Johnson
The feeling of friendship is like that of being comfortably filled with roast beef, love, like being enlivened with champagne. Samuel Johnson
It is wonderful to think how men of very large estates not only spend their yearly income but are often actually in want of money. It is clear, they have not valued for what they spend. Samuel Johnson
Flattery pleases very generally. In the first place, the flatterer may think what he says to be true; but, in the second place, whether he thinks so or not, he certainly thinks those whom he flatters of consequence enough to be flattered. Samuel Johnson
Christianity is the highest perfection of humanity. Samuel Johnson
There must always be a struggle between a father and son, while one aims at power and the other at independence. Samuel Johnson
Love is the wisdom of the fool, and the folly of the wise. Samuel Johnson
Men have been wise in different modes, but they laughed the same way. Samuel Johnson