“There is no being so poor and so contemptible, who does not think there is somebody still poorer, and still more contemptible.”
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; and various original pieces of his composition, never before published; the whole exhibiting a view of literature and literary men in Great Britain, for near half a century during which he flourished
“I live in the crowd of jollity, not so much to enjoy company as to shun myself.”
Source: Essay on the life and genius of Dr. Johnson [by Arthur Murphy] Poems. Rasselas, prince of Abissinia. Letters
“Every man wishes to be wise, and they who cannot be wise are almost always cunning.”
Source: Boswell's Life of Johnson: Including Boswell's Journal of a Tour of the Hebrides, and Johnson's Diary of A Journey Into North Wales
“A man had rather have a hundred lies told of him than one truth which he does not wish should be told.”
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; and various original pieces of his composition, never before published; the whole exhibiting a view of literature and literary men in Great Britain, for near half a century during which he flourished
“Pity is not natural to man. Children always are cruel. Savages are always cruel.”
“Curiosity is the thirst of the soul.”
Source: The beauties of Samuel Johnson, LL. D.: consisting of maxims and observations, moral, critical, and miscellaneous: to which are now added biographical anecdotes of the doctor, selected from the works of Mrs. Piozzi;--his Life, recently published by Mr. Boswell, and other authentic testimonies; also his will, and the sermon he wrote for the late Doctor Dodd
“Every man speaks and writes with intent to be understood; and it can seldom happen but he that understands himself might convey his notions to another, if, content to be understood, he did not seek to be admired.”
Source: The Idler: With Additional Essays
“To do something is in every man's power.”
“Every man has something to do which he neglects, every man has faults to conquer which he delays to combat.”
Source: The Wisdom of the Rambler, Adventurer, and Idler
“A man with a good coat upon his back meets with a better reception than he who has a bad one.”