Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at very small expense. The power of invention has been conferred by nature upon few, and the labour of learning those sciences which may, by mere labour, be obtained, is too great to be willingly endured; but every man can exert some judgment as he has upon the works of others; and he whom nature has made weak, and idleness keeps ignorant, may yet support his vanity by the name of critic.
Samuel JohnsonA 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 JohnsonWhen once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness or decency.
Samuel Johnson