It was the peculiar artifice of Habit not to suffer her power to be felt at first. Those whom she led, she had the address of appearing only to attend, but was continually doubling her chains upon her companions; which were so slender in themselves, and so silently fastened, that while the attention was engaged by other objects, they were not easily perceived. Each link grew tighter as it had been longer worn; and when by continual additions they became so heavy as to be felt, they were very frequently too strong to be broken.
Samuel JohnsonAs I know more of mankind I expect less of them, and am ready now to call a man a good man upon easier terms than I was formerly.
Samuel JohnsonTheir origin is commonly unknown; for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased, and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is in vain to conjecture; for what reason did not dictate, reason cannot explain.
Samuel JohnsonYou never find people laboring to convince you that you may live very happily upon a plentiful income.
Samuel Johnson