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.'

The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are. Samuel Johnson
Judgment is forced upon us by experience Samuel Johnson
Curiosity is the thirst of the soul. Samuel Johnson
To keep your secret is wisdom; but to expect others to keep it is folly. Samuel Johnson
How guilt once harbour'd in the conscious breast, Intimidates the brave, degrades the great. Samuel Johnson
Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect. Samuel Johnson
Christianity is the highest perfection of humanity. Samuel Johnson
To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity. Samuel Johnson
Courtesy and good humor are often found with little real worth. Samuel Johnson
The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are. Samuel Johnson
Tears are often to be found where there is little sorrow, and the deepest sorrow without any tears. Samuel Johnson
What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence. Samuel Johnson
Diligence in employments of less consequence is the most successful introduction to greater enterprises. Samuel Johnson
Few things are impossible to diligence and skill. Samuel Johnson
The resolution of the combat is seldom equal to the vehemence of the charge. Samuel Johnson
The truly strong and sound mind is the mind that can embrace equally great things and small. I would have a man great in great things, and elegant in little things. Samuel Johnson
To set the mind above the appetites is the end of abstinence, which if not a virtue, is the groundwork of a virtue. Samuel Johnson
Abstinence is as easy to me as temperance would be difficult. Samuel Johnson
Be not too hasty to trust or to admire the teachers of morality; they discourse like angels, but they live like men. Samuel Johnson
There are charms made only for distance admiration. Samuel Johnson
Moderation is commonly firm, and firmness is commonly successful. Samuel Johnson
Small debts are like small shot; they are rattling on every side, and can scarcely be escaped without a wound; great debts are like cannon; of loud noise, but little danger. Samuel Johnson
The excellence of aphorisms consists not so much in the expression of some rare or abstruse sentiment, as in the comprehension of some useful truth in a few words. Samuel Johnson
Our aspirations are our possibilities. Samuel Johnson
Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures. Samuel Johnson
When once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness or decency. Samuel Johnson
Must helpless man, in ignorance sedate, roll darkling down the torrent of his fate? Samuel Johnson
An epithet or metaphor drawn from nature ennobles art; an epithet or metaphor drawn from art degrades nature. Samuel Johnson
Pleasure is very seldom found where it is sought; our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks. Samuel Johnson
He that accepts protection, stipulates obedience. Samuel Johnson