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James Boswell Quotes

Lawyer

James Boswell, born on October 29, 1740, and died on May 19, 1795, was a Scottish lawyer and writer. He is best known for his biography, 'The Life of Samuel Johnson,' which provides a detailed account of the life and thoughts of the 18th-century British writer Samuel Johnson.

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Famous James Boswell Quotes

“Addison writes with the ease of a gentleman. His readers fancy that a wise and accomplished companion is talking to them; so thathe insinuates his sentiments and taste into their minds by an imperceptible influence. Johnson writes like a teacher. He dictates to his readers as if from an academical chair. They attend with awe and admiration; and his precepts are impressed upon them by his commanding eloquence. Addison's style, like a light wine, pleases everybody from the first. Johnson's, like a liquor of more body, seems too strong at first, but, by degrees, is highly relished.”

Source: The life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.: comprehending an account of his studies and numerous works, in chronological order; a series of his epistolary correspondence; and conversations with many eminent persons ...

“I went to my father's at night. He spoke of poor John [Boswell's brother] with disgust. I was shocked and said, "He's your son, and God made him." He answered very harshly, "If my sons are idiots, can I help it?”

Ifs Made Said Helping Night Father Poor Son Brother Idiot Spokes My Son Disgusting Shocked Your Son

Author:James Boswell

“If a man who is born to a fortune cannot make himself easier and freer than those who are not, he gains nothing.”

Ifs Men Born Freedom Liberty Easier Gains Fortune

Book:The heart of Boswell: six journals in one volume

Source: The heart of Boswell: six journals in one volume

“If venereal delight and the power of propagating the species were permitted only to the virtuous, it would make the world very good.”

Ifs World Species Very Good Delight Virtuous

Book:The heart of Boswell: six journals in one volume

Source: The heart of Boswell: six journals in one volume

“If a man is prodigal, he cannot be truly generous.”

Ifs Men Generosity Generous Prodigals

Book:London Journal, 1762-1763, as First Published in 1950 from the Original Manuscript

Source: London Journal, 1762-1763, as First Published in 1950 from the Original Manuscript

“Boswell: But, Sir is it not somewhat singular that you should happen to have Cocker's Arithmetic about you on your journey? Dr. Johnson: Why, Sir if you are to have but one book with you upon a journey, let it be a book of science. When you read through a book of entertainment, you know it, and it can do no more for you; but a book of science is inexhaustible.”

Ifs Knows Should Book Happens Science Can Do Journey Entertainment Drs Johnson Arithmetic Dr Johnson

Book:Journal of a tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson LL.D.: containing some poetical pieces by Dr. Johnson, relative to the tour, and never before published ... : with an authentic account of the distresses and escape of the grandson of King James II. in the year 1746

Source: Journal of a tour to the Hebrides with Samuel Johnson LL.D.: containing some poetical pieces by Dr. Johnson, relative to the tour, and never before published ... : with an authentic account of the distresses and escape of the grandson of King James II. in the year 1746