We are long before we are convinced that happiness is never to be found, and each believes it possessed by others, to keep alive the hope of obtaining it for himself. - Samuel Johnson
It is dangerous for mortal beauty, or terrestrial virtue, to be examined by too strong a light. The torch of Truth shows much that we cannot, and all that we would not, see. - Samuel Johnson
Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. - Samuel Johnson
There are goods so opposed that we cannot seize both, but, by too much prudence, may pass between them at too great a distance to reach either. - Samuel Johnson
A wise man will make haste to forgive, because he knows the true value of time, and will not suffer it to pass away in unnecessary pain. - Samuel Johnson
A fly, Sir, may sting a stately horse and make him wince; but, one is but an insect, and the other is a horse still. - Samuel Johnson
Leisure and curiosity might soon make great advances in useful knowledge, were they not diverted by minute emulation and laborious trifles. - Samuel Johnson
Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it. - Samuel Johnson
So many objections may be made to everything, that nothing can overcome them but the necessity of doing something. - Samuel Johnson
It is better that some should be unhappy rather than that none should be happy, which would be the case in a general state of equality. - Samuel Johnson
The wretched have no compassion, they can do good only from strong principles of duty. - Samuel Johnson