All violation of established practice implies in its own nature a rejection of the common opinion, a defiance of common censure, and an appeal from general laws to private judgment: he, therefore, who differs form others without apparent advantage, ought not to be angry if his arrogance is punished with ridicule; if those whose example he superciliously overlooks, point him out to derision, and hoot him back again into the common road.
Samuel JohnsonPoliteness is one of those advantages which we never estimate rightly but by the inconvenience of its loss.
Samuel JohnsonNever, my dear Sir, do you take it into your head that I do not love you; you may settle yourself in full confidence both of my love and my esteem; I love you as a kind man, I value you as a worthy man, and hope in time to reverence you as a man of exemplary piety.
Samuel JohnsonAssertion is not argument; to contradict the statement of an opponent is not proof that you are correct.
Samuel JohnsonThe business of a poet is to examine not the individual but the species; to remark general properties and large appearances.
Samuel Johnson