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Quote by Samuel Johnson

“Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, of sickness, or captivity, would, without this comfort, be insupportable; nor does it appear that the happiest lot of terrestrial existence can set us above the want of this general blessing; or that life, when the gifts of nature and of fortune are accumulated upon it, would not still be wretched, were it not elevated and delighted by the expectation of some new possession, of some enjoyment yet behind, by which the wish shall at last be satisfied, and the heart filled up to its utmost extent.”

Quote by Samuel Johnson

Work

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

This volume gathers selected maxims, observations, and reflections by Samuel Johnson, the renowned English writer and lexicographer best known for his Dictionary of the English Language. The collection presents Johnson's thoughts on moral conduct, literary criticism, and various subjects of general interest. The work also includes biographical anecdotes about Johnson drawn from the accounts of his contemporaries, particularly selections from the writings of Hester Thrale Piozzi and references to James Boswell's biographical work. Additionally, the volume contains Johnson's last will and testament, as well as the sermon he composed for Doctor Dodd, a clergyman with whom Johnson was acquainted. The compilation represents an effort to preserve and present the wisdom and literary legacy of one of the most influential figures in eighteenth-century English literature. more

Author

Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson was an English writer, poet, and lexicographer, renowned for his comprehensive English dictionary, 'A Dictionary of the English Language', published in 1755. His distinctive writing style and wit have cemented his place as a significant figure in the history of English literature. more

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“I remember very well, when I was at Oxford, an old gentleman said to me, "Young man, ply your book diligently now, and acquire a stock of knowledge; for when years come upon you, you will find that poring upon books will be but an irksome task.”

“The student who would build his knowledge on solid foundations, and proceed by just degrees to the pinnacles of truth, is directed by the great philosopher of France to begin by doubting of his own existence. In like manner, whoever would complete any arduous and intricate enterprise, should, as soon as his imagination can cool after the first blaze of hope, place before his own eyes every possible embarrassment that may retard or defeat him. He should first question the probability of success, and then endeavour to remove the objections that he has raised.”