It is to be steadily inculcated, that virtue is the highest proof of understanding, and the only solid basis of greatness.
Samuel JohnsonA little knowledge is a dangerous thing - it only hastens fools to rush in where angels fear to tread.
Samuel JohnsonIgnorance cannot always be inferred from inaccuracy; knowledge is not always present.
Samuel JohnsonThe use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.
Samuel JohnsonAs to the rout that is made about people who are ruined by extravagance, it is no matter to the nation that some individuals suffer. When so much general productive exertion is the consequence of luxury, the nation does not care though there are debtors; nay, they would not care though their creditors were there too.
Samuel JohnsonThese are the men who, without virtue, labour, or hazard, are growing rich, as their country is impoverished; they rejoice, when obstinacy or ambition adds another year to slaughter and devastation; and laugh, from their desks, at bravery and science, while they are adding figure to figure, and cipher to cipher, hoping for a new contract from a new armament, and computing the profits of a siege or tempest.
Samuel Johnson