The duty of criticism is neither to depreciate nor dignify by partial representations, but to hold out the light of reason, whatever it may discover; and to promulgate the determinations of truth, whatever she shall dictate

Quote by Samuel Johnson

Topics: Criticism Quotes

To preserve health is a moral and religious duty, for health is the basis of...

To preserve health is a moral and religious duty, for health is the basis of...

To us, who are regaled every morning and evening with intelligence, and are supplied from...

To us, who are regaled every morning and evening with intelligence, and are supplied from...

The vanity of being known to be trusted with a secret is generally one of...

The vanity of being known to be trusted with a secret is generally one of...

What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.

What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.

To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is...

To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is...

Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call...

Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call...

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,...

There are few things that we so unwillingly give up, even in advanced age, as...

There are few things that we so unwillingly give up, even in advanced age, as...

To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity.

To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity.

He that hopes to look back hereafter with satisfaction upon past years must learn to...

He that hopes to look back hereafter with satisfaction upon past years must learn to...

Disease generally begins that equality which death completes.

Disease generally begins that equality which death completes.

You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir,...

You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir,...

Players, Sir! I look upon them as no better than creatures set upon tables and...

Players, Sir! I look upon them as no better than creatures set upon tables and...

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...

When I was as you are now, towering in the confidence of 21, little did...

When I was as you are now, towering in the confidence of 21, little did...

Life cannot subsist in society but by reciprocal concessions.

Life cannot subsist in society but by reciprocal concessions.

Your manuscript is both good and original; but the part that is good is not...

Your manuscript is both good and original; but the part that is good is not...

There can be no friendship without confidence, and no confidence without integrity.

There can be no friendship without confidence, and no confidence without integrity.

I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for...

I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for...

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life;...

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life;...