He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.

Quote by Samuel Johnson

Topics: Books Quotes

I never desire to converse with a man who has written more than he has...

I never desire to converse with a man who has written more than he has...

Nature has given women so much power that the law has very wisely given them...

Nature has given women so much power that the law has very wisely given them...

I have always said, the first Whig was the Devil~

I have always said, the first Whig was the Devil~

Nature is a hanging judge

Nature is a hanging judge

Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we...

Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we...

The duty of criticism is neither to depreciate nor dignify by partial representations, but to...

The duty of criticism is neither to depreciate nor dignify by partial representations, but to...

Actions are visible, though motives are secret

Actions are visible, though motives are secret

There is nothing more fatal to a man whose business is to think than to...

There is nothing more fatal to a man whose business is to think than to...

Getting money is not all a man's business: to cultivate kindness is a valuable part...

Getting money is not all a man's business: to cultivate kindness is a valuable part...

Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present

Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present

Hope is itself a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world...

Hope is itself a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world...

To get a name can happen but to few; it is one of the few...

To get a name can happen but to few; it is one of the few...

He that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious; and he that becomes suspicious will quickly...

He that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious; and he that becomes suspicious will quickly...

Clear your mind of cant.

Clear your mind of cant.

Those who attain any excellence commonly spend life in one pursuit; for excellence is not...

Those who attain any excellence commonly spend life in one pursuit; for excellence is not...

It is better a man should be abused than forgotten.

It is better a man should be abused than forgotten.

He who praises everybody, praises nobody.

He who praises everybody, praises nobody.

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...

If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are...

If your determination is fixed, I do not counsel you to despair. Few things are...

Bounty always receives part of its value from the manner in which it is bestowed.

Bounty always receives part of its value from the manner in which it is bestowed.