Those who would extirpate evil from the world know little of human nature. As well might punch be palatable without souring as existence agreeable without care.

The pleasure of gratifying whim is very great. It is known only by those who are whimsical.

In an orchard there should be enough to eat, enough to lay up, enough to be stolen, and enough to rot on the ground.

I went to my father's at night. He spoke of poor John [Boswell's brother] with disgust. I was shocked and said, "He's your son, and God made him." He answered very harshly, "If my sons are idiots, can I help it?

Dr Johnson said, the inscription should have been in Latin, as every thing intended to be universal and permanent, should be.

In every picture there should be shade as well as light.

As all who come into the country must obey the King, so all who come into an university must be of the Church.