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Quote by Samuel Johnson

“To be flattered is grateful, even when we know that our praises are not believed by those who pronounce them; for they prove, at least, our power, and show that our favour is valued, since it is purchased by the meanness of falsehood.”

Quote by Samuel Johnson

Book: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
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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

The beauties of Samuel Johnson, LL. D. is a comprehensive compilation of the renowned writer's thoughts and insights. It features Johnson's maxims and observations on moral and critical matters, as well as a variety of other subjects. The book is further enriched by biographical anecdotes about Johnson, drawn from the works of Mrs. Piozzi. Additionally, it includes extracts from Mr. Boswell's biography of Johnson, providing a more in-depth look into the life of the doctor. The collection also features Johnson's own will and a sermon he composed for the late Doctor Dodd. This volume offers a comprehensive view of Johnson's intellectual and personal life, showcasing his diverse contributions to literature and thought. more

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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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“In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it; for no species of falsehood is more frequent than flattery, to which the coward is betrayed by fear, the dependent by interest, and the friend by tenderness: those who are neither servile nor timorous are yet desirous to bestow pleasure; and, while unjust demands of praise continue to be made, there will always be some whom hope, fear, or kindness will dispose to pay them.”

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Book:The Beauties of Samuel Johnson, Etc. (A New Edition, Being the Ninth.).
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“Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present. The acknowledgment of those virtues on which conscience congratulates us is a tribute that we can at any tine exact with confidence; but the celebration of those which we only feign, or desire without any vigorous endeavours to attain them, is received as a confession of sovereignty over regions never conquered, as a favourable decision of disputable claims, and is more welcome as more gratuitous.”

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Book:The Rambler
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“Few men survey themselves with so much severity as not to admit prejudices in their own favour, which an artful flatterer may gradually strengthen, till wishes for a particular qualification are improved to hopes of attainment, and hopes of attainment to belief of possession.”

MenMayBeliefWishParticularPrejudicePossessionFavourFlatteryAttainmentSurveysQualificationsSeverityFlatterer
Book:The Rambler: A Periodical Paper, Published in 1750, 1751, 1752
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