You cannot spend money in luxury without doing good to the poor. Nay, you do more good to them by spending it in luxury, than by giving it; for by spending it in luxury, you make them exert industry, whereas…

Quote by Samuel Johnson

Topics: Samuel Johnson Quotes

There are few ways in which a man can be more innocently employed than in...

There are few ways in which a man can be more innocently employed than in...

Power is not sufficient evidence of truth

Power is not sufficient evidence of truth

All theory is against the freedom of the will; all experience for it

All theory is against the freedom of the will; all experience for it

We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never...

We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never...

Beauty lies in the hands of the beerholder

Beauty lies in the hands of the beerholder

Life is not long, and too much of it must not pass in idle deliberation...

Life is not long, and too much of it must not pass in idle deliberation...

There are goods so opposed that we cannot seize both, but, by too much prudence,...

There are goods so opposed that we cannot seize both, but, by too much prudence,...

Whatever is attempted without previous certainty of success, may be considered as a project, and...

Whatever is attempted without previous certainty of success, may be considered as a project, and...

Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people

Gratitude is a fruit of great cultivation; you do not find it among gross people

The usual fortune of complaint is to excite contempt more than pity.

The usual fortune of complaint is to excite contempt more than pity.

I respect Millar: he has raised the price of literature

I respect Millar: he has raised the price of literature

To love one that is great, is almost to be great one's self.

To love one that is great, is almost to be great one's self.

It is dangerous for mortal beauty, or terrestrial virtue, to be examined by too strong...

It is dangerous for mortal beauty, or terrestrial virtue, to be examined by too strong...

I have found men to be more kind than I expected, and less just.

I have found men to be more kind than I expected, and less just.

There will always be a part, and always a very large part of every community,...

There will always be a part, and always a very large part of every community,...

What makes all doctrines plain and clear? About two hundred pounds a year. And that...

What makes all doctrines plain and clear? About two hundred pounds a year. And that...

Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal; and he may be properly charged with evil...

Ignorance, when it is voluntary, is criminal; and he may be properly charged with evil...

Knowledge always desires increase; it is like fire, which must first be kindled by some...

Knowledge always desires increase; it is like fire, which must first be kindled by some...

Wonder rather than doubt is the root of knowledge

Wonder rather than doubt is the root of knowledge

Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it

Knowledge is a treasure, but practice is the key to it