We are all prompted by the same motives, all deceived by the same fallacies, all animated by hope, obstructed by danger, entangled by desire, and seduced by pleasure.
Samuel JohnsonI know not, Madam, that you have a right, upon moral principles, to make your readers suffer so much.
Samuel JohnsonAn epithet or metaphor drawn from nature ennobles art; an epithet or metaphor drawn from art degrades nature.
Samuel JohnsonA man had rather have a hundred lies told of him than one truth which he does not wish should be told.
Samuel JohnsonExcellence in any department can be attained only by the labor of a lifetime; it is not to be purchased at a lesser price.
Samuel JohnsonHe that floats lazily down the stream, in pursuit of something borne along by the same current, will find himself indeed moved forward; but unless he lays his hand to the oar, and increases his speed by his own labour, must be always at the same distance from that which he is following.
Samuel Johnson