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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

“After I went to bed I had a curious fancy as to dreams. In sleep the doors of the mind are shut, and thoughts come jumping in at the windows. They tumble headlong, and therefore are so disorderly and strange. Sometimes they are stout and light on their feet, and then they are rational dreams.”

Thinking Mind Sometimes Dream Light Sleep Doors Feet Strange Bed Window Rational Curious Fancy Thoughtful Jumping Stout Jumping In

Book:Boswell's Edinburgh Journals 1767-1786

Source: Boswell's Edinburgh Journals 1767-1786

“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 ...

“O charitable philosopher, I beg you to help me. My mind is weak but my soul is strong. Kindle that soul, and the sacred fire shall never be extinguished.”

Mind Soul Helping Strong Fire Weak Sacred Philosopher My Soul Help Me Charitable Kindles Sacred Fire

Book:The Journals of James Boswell, 1762-1795

Source: The Journals of James Boswell, 1762-1795

“Have a sense of piety ever on your mind, and be ever mindful that this is subject to no change, but will last you as long as life and support you in death. Elevate your soul by prayer and by contemplation without mystical enthusiasm.”

Mind Long Soul Lasts Prayer Support Subjects Enthusiasm Your Soul Contemplation Mystical Piety Support You

Book:Boswell in Holland, 1763-1764: Including His Correspondence with Belle de Zuylen (Zélide)

Source: Boswell in Holland, 1763-1764: Including His Correspondence with Belle de Zuylen (Zélide)

“My definition of Man is, a Cooking Animal. The beasts have memory, judgement, and all the faculties and passions of our mind, in a certain degree; but no beast is a cook....Man alone can dress a good dish; and every man whatever is more or less a cook, in seasoning what he himself eats.”

Men Mind Certain Passion Memories Animal Degrees Dresses Cooking Definitions Every Man Cooks Judgement Beast Faculty Dishes Seasoning

Author:James Boswell

“My mind was, as it were, strongly impregnated with the Johnsonian ether.”

Mind

Book:The Life of Samuel Johnson: Including a Journal of His Tour to the Hebrides

Source: The Life of Samuel Johnson: Including a Journal of His Tour to the Hebrides