Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

Quote by Samuel Johnson

Topics: Samuel Johnson Quotes

The purpose of a writer is to be read, and the criticism which would destroy...

The purpose of a writer is to be read, and the criticism which would destroy...

He that undervalues himself will undervalue others, and he that undervalues others will oppress them.

He that undervalues himself will undervalue others, and he that undervalues others will oppress them.

I believe marriages would in general be as happy, and often more so, if they...

I believe marriages would in general be as happy, and often more so, if they...

Most vices may be committed very genteelly: a man may debauch his friend's wife genteelly:...

Most vices may be committed very genteelly: a man may debauch his friend's wife genteelly:...

Deviation from nature is deviation from happiness

Deviation from nature is deviation from happiness

Credulity is the common failing of inexperienced virtue; and he who is spontaneously suspicious may...

Credulity is the common failing of inexperienced virtue; and he who is spontaneously suspicious may...

Between falsehood and useless truth there is little difference. As gold which he cannot spend...

Between falsehood and useless truth there is little difference. As gold which he cannot spend...

Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.

Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.

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...

Power is not sufficient evidence of truth

Power is not sufficient evidence of truth

It is better that some should be unhappy rather than that none should be happy,...

It is better that some should be unhappy rather than that none should be happy,...

Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at very small expenses

Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at very small expenses

Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short...

Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short...

Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen

Questioning is not the mode of conversation among gentlemen

Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice

Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice

To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.

To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.

Suspicion is not less an enemy to virtue than to happiness; he that is already...

Suspicion is not less an enemy to virtue than to happiness; he that is already...

Were it not for imagination, a man would be as happy in the arms of...

Were it not for imagination, a man would be as happy in the arms of...

After sleeping through a hundred million centuries we have finally opened our eyes on a...

After sleeping through a hundred million centuries we have finally opened our eyes on a...

Happiness is part of who we are. Joy is the feeling.

Happiness is part of who we are. Joy is the feeling.

Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination.

Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination.